methylation

[ meth-uh-ley-shuhn ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. the process of replacing a hydrogen atom with a methyl group.

Word History and Origins

Origin of methylation¹

First recorded in 1875–80; methylate + -ion

Example Sentences

This study analyzed whether a chemical modification process known as DNA methylation, which regulates gene expression, may be one mechanism by which cardiovascular disease health factors affect cell aging and the risk of death.

From Science Daily

DNA methylation levels are the most promising biomarker to estimate biological age.

From Science Daily

Each participant was also assessed using four tools that estimate biological age based on DNA methylation and a fifth tool that assesses a person's genetic tendency towards accelerated biological aging.

From Science Daily

Because the study is an analysis of previously collected health data, it cannot prove a cause-and-effect relationship between cardiovascular health risk factors and DNA methylation.

From Science Daily

In addition, DNA methylation measures were from a single time point, which limits the validity of the mediation effect.

From Science Daily