Shared Genetic Architecture Between Epigenetic Aging and Musculoskeletal Diseases
Wei Xu, Xuanyu Zhang, Biyi Zhao, Xiaoyun Li, Ronghua Zhang · 2026
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Description
Wei Xu, Xuanyu Zhang, Biyi Zhao, Xiaoyun Li, and Ronghua Zhang test which way causation runs between faster epigenetic aging and musculoskeletal disease, using inherited variants as instruments, in 2026 work. Four aging clocks built from DNA methylation were crossed with ten bone, joint, and pain conditions in both directions. Layered checks included shared-locus mapping, co-location tests, and strict re-runs with filtered instrument sets.
Forward tests produced only two nominal links from one aging clock, and neither survived correction across all forty tests. One inverse link, tying that clock to spinal joint inflammation, held its direction through every stricter filter, while a thoracic spine pain link faded under the toughest set. Reverse tests flagged ten nominal links running from disease toward aging speed. Estimates for another clock swung with instrument choice. The authors read the shared genetics as patchy and direction-mixed, not a simple one-way story.
Catalog record
| CREATOR | Wei Xu, Xuanyu Zhang, Biyi Zhao, Xiaoyun Li, Ronghua Zhang |
|---|---|
| YEAR | 2026 |
| COLLECTION | PAPERS |
| FORMAT | TXT |
| FILE SIZE | 51 KB |
| LICENSE | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 |
| RIGHTS | CC BY |
| SOURCE | Europe PMC |