Validation study of Bekaert's age estimation model based on DNA methylation rate and development of novel models using Japanese blood samples

Abstract

Age estimation by use of DNA methylation rate have recently been one of the hottest topics in forensic genetics, thus many age prediction models have been developed. The age prediction model developed by Bekaert et al was evaluated as the best method comparing six blood-based models in 2019. In this study, Bekaert's age estimation 3.49 and 4.51 for test set, respectively. In total, 200 ng of pre-bisulˆte-treated DNA was essential to perform these predictions. To reduce the required amount of DNA, new models based on only ELOVL2 methylation rate requiring only 40 ng of DNA were also developed. The MAE and RMSE were 3.15 and 4.20 for test set, respec-tively. These results suggest that both Bekaert's age estimation model and our novel model have great potential in estimating one's age on forensic practices with some points to note.