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University of Otago researchers develop revolutionary method with potential applications in medicine, sports, and agriculture.
A team of scientists from the University of Otago—Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka has unveiled a pioneering epigenetic tool capable of predicting how long an animal has been exposed to male hormones, or androgens. This breakthrough, published in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, introduces what is being called the “Androgen Clock,” a technique that could have far-reaching implications in fields such as medicine, sports, and agriculture.
The Androgen Clock works by analyzing specific DNA regions that change over time when exposed to androgens. This research marks the first time a biological ‘clock’ has been identified to measure the duration of androgen exposure. While the tool is still being developed for humans, researchers are optimistic about its potential.
Dr. Victoria Sugrue, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Otago’s Department of Anatomy and the study’s lead author, explains, “Androgens alter DNA over time in a predictable ‘clock-like’ manner. We’ve developed a method that allows us to easily measure this phenomenon.” She further notes that their team has been able to accurately estimate months of androgen exposure in both mice and sheep using this innovative linear model.
The findings are especially intriguing because the clock halts when the receptor protein that binds to androgens is removed, proving that the clock’s ticking is entirely dependent on androgen presence. The clock resumes when females are exposed to androgen, suggesting it is specific to male hormones.
Practical Applications
High levels of androgen hormones are responsible for the physical differences between males and females, such as increased muscle mass and body hair. Until now, however, there has been no reliable way to measure long-term male hormone exposure. The Androgen Clock could change that.
Associate Professor Tim Hore, research team leader and expert in anatomy, highlights the tool’s wide-ranging potential. “This method could have various applications, from verifying meat quality to detecting synthetic androgen abuse in elite sports,” he says.
In their study, the researchers used the Androgen Clock to assess meat from lambs and older rams. As expected, meat from the older rams showed a more advanced Androgen Clock, indicating longer exposure to androgens. This information can be crucial for meat verification, as tougher and potentially tainted meat often comes from older male animals, and hormone supplementation can alter meat characteristics.
“Such a test could be beneficial to consumers of beef and other meats, helping them determine whether hormone supplements were used in the animal’s growth,” adds Hore.
Next Steps and Future Implications
The team is now focused on developing an Androgen Clock for humans, which could have important uses in both medicine and sports. “For example, one of our experiments involved treating female mice with synthetic androgens, similar to those used by athletes attempting to cheat in elite sports. The results were striking, as it accelerated the Androgen Clock far beyond the typical male mouse of the same age,” says Hore.
If successful, this human version could help detect synthetic androgen abuse by measuring long-term hormonal effects on DNA, as opposed to traditional tests that only measure immediate hormone levels. This tool could also prove valuable in diagnosing hormone-related disorders, such as hyperandrogenism.
The Androgen Clock builds on earlier work by the University of Otago team and collaborators in Australia and the U.S. The researchers had previously developed the first method to estimate sheep aging using DNA, contributing to the growing field of epigenetic clocks. These clocks use DNA to predict the age of animals, offering insight into the aging process and how it can be slowed or accelerated.
“While we have made significant advances in understanding aging through epigenetic clocks, we still have much to learn about how these clocks actually function,” says Associate Professor Hore. “The Androgen Clock offers a unique opportunity to explore how DNA ages and why.”
As research into this epigenetic tool progresses, it could revolutionize many aspects of biology, offering insights not only into aging and hormone exposure but also into broader mechanisms of DNA function and its aging process.
Disclaimer: This article is based on preliminary research, and while the Androgen Clock has shown promise in animal studies, its applications for humans, sports, and other areas are still in development. Further research and testing are required to fully understand its potential and limitations.
