What The Epigenome Remembers: Ageing, Disease Risk, and the Tissues we Overlook

DNA methylation is a dynamic layer of molecular information that sits on top of our genetic code (DNA), shaping how genes are expressed and changing in response to age, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. In this talk, I will explore how DNA methylation can be leveraged to reconstruct an individual’s biological history, quantify ageing, and predict future disease risk. I will highlight emerging applications of epigenetic biomarkers in health research and discuss findings from large-scale studies, including the multi-omic TirolGESUND study. While blood has traditionally been the sample of choice for such analyses, I will make the case for broadening our approach, showing why alternative tissues such as saliva or buccal swabs may offer unique advantages in specific contexts. By rethinking our sampling strategies, we can unlock new opportunities for early detection, personalised prevention, and more accessible health prediction.