DNA Methylation Age Determination Using LASSO-Selected CpG Loci

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current age determination methods based on DNA methylation levels are costly and require a large number of CpG loci, resulting in suboptimal accuracy and high costs, limiting their widespread use and effectiveness in diagnosing health states and identifying factors influencing biological age.

Innovation Solution

A method using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression to identify a reduced subset of genomic DNA sequences, along with subsequent stepwise regression, to determine an age indicator, reducing the number of genomic DNA sequences required while maintaining accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large number of CpG loci are used for age determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveage determination accuracyVSAvoidnumber of CpG loci required

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and selects only the most relevant CpG loci from the entire genome that are strongly associated with aging. By identifying and isolating these key biomarkers, the method reduces the number of loci needed while maintaining or improving age determination accuracy, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by focusing measurement efforts on specific high-value CpG loci rather than uniformly measuring all loci. The selected loci have localized high information content regarding aging, allowing precise age determination with fewer measurements, thus reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If DNA methylation analysis is performed on many CpG loci, then age determination accuracy is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveage determination accuracyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential CpG loci that provide the most information for age determination. By eliminating redundant or low-value loci from the analysis panel, the method significantly reduces the quantity of substances (reagents, materials) required, thereby reducing cost while maintaining age determination accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by performing DNA methylation analysis on a selective subset of CpG loci rather than comprehensively analyzing all possible loci. This partial analysis approach achieves sufficient accuracy for practical purposes while dramatically reducing the resources and costs required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If comprehensive DNA methylation profiling is conducted, then reliability of age determination is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveage determination reliabilityVSAvoidlaboratory procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts a streamlined set of key CpG loci for analysis, simplifying the laboratory workflow. By focusing on a defined panel of high-impact loci, the method maintains reliable age determination while making the procedure more manageable and easier to perform in routine laboratory settings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of loci selection from comprehensive to selective, optimizing for both reliability and ease of operation. The selected loci panel is designed to provide robust age determination with simpler, more standardized protocols that are easier to execute and quality-control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces costs and simplifies laboratory procedures, allows for more precise age determination, and provides a tool for diagnosing health states and identifying molecules affecting aging, while also serving as an alternative validation for other age determination methods.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDNA methylation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250333793A1Method and devices for age determination

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 THOMAS J C MATZEN GMBH

AI summary

The present invention relates to the determination of ages. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for determining an age indicator, and a method for determining the age of an individual. Said methods are based on data comprising the DNA methylation levels of a set of genomic DNA sequences. Preferably, said age indicator is determined by applying on the data a regression method comprising a Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), preferably in combination with subsequent stepwise regression. Furthermore, the invention relates to an ensemble of genomic DNA sequences and a gene set, and their uses for diagnosing the health state and/or the fitness state of an individual and identifying a molecule which affects ageing. In further aspects, the invention relates to a chip or a kit, in particular which can be used for detecting the DNA methylation levels of said ensemble of genomic DNA sequences.