Yanfang Lu , Anqi Chen , Mengxiao Liao , Ruiyang Tao , Shubo Wen , Suhua Zhang , Chengtao Li
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Age estimation is a critical aspect of human identification. Traditional methods, reliant on morphological examinations, are often suitable for living subjects. However, there are relatively few studies on age estimation based on biological samples, such as blood. Recent advancements have concentrated on DNA methylation for forensic age prediction. However, to explore further possibilities, this study investigated microRNAs (miRNAs) as alternative molecular markers for age estimation. Peripheral blood samples from 127 healthy individuals were analyzed for miRNA expression using small RNA sequencing. Lasso regression selected 103 candidate miRNAs, and Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) analysis identified 38 key miRNAs significant for age prediction. Five machine learning models were developed, with the elastic net model achieving the best performance (MAE of 4.08 years) on the testing set, surpassing current miRNA age estimation results. Additionally, we observed significant changes in the expression levels of miRNAs in healthy individuals aged 48–52 years. This study demonstrated the potential of blood miRNA biomarkers in age prediction and provides a set of miRNA markers for developing more accurate age prediction methods.
期刊介绍:
Non-coding RNA Research aims to publish high quality research and review articles on the mechanistic role of non-coding RNAs in all human diseases. This interdisciplinary journal will welcome research dealing with all aspects of non-coding RNAs-their biogenesis, regulation and role in disease progression. The focus of this journal will be to publish translational studies as well as well-designed basic studies with translational and clinical implications. The non-coding RNAs of particular interest will be microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), U-RNAs/small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), exosomal/extracellular RNAs (exRNAs), Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs. Topics of interest will include, but not limited to: -Regulation of non-coding RNAs -Targets and regulatory functions of non-coding RNAs -Epigenetics and non-coding RNAs -Biological functions of non-coding RNAs -Non-coding RNAs as biomarkers -Non-coding RNA-based therapeutics -Prognostic value of non-coding RNAs -Pharmacological studies involving non-coding RNAs -Population based and epidemiological studies -Gene expression / proteomics / computational / pathway analysis-based studies on non-coding RNAs with functional validation -Novel strategies to manipulate non-coding RNAs expression and function -Clinical studies on evaluation of non-coding RNAs The journal will strive to disseminate cutting edge research, showcasing the ever-evolving importance of non-coding RNAs in modern day research and medicine.