Epigenetics, Memory and Aging

In this chapter, we will present the memory function of the epigenome in both somatic and germ cells. The latter is the basis for transgenerational inheritance and also has a relation to aging. Human cohorts as well as “natural experiments” allow studying the impact of epigenetics on health, disease and aging on a population level. The progressive decline in the function of cells, tissues and organs associated with aging is affected by epigenetics, i.e., there are characteristic epigenome-wide changes during aging acting as epigenetic clocks over years and decades. Furthermore, molecular circadian clocks in the brain as well as in peripheral tissues support homeostasis of the body by coordinating a large set of physiological functions. Disturbing the day/night and feeding/fasting cycles can lead to numerous diseases and accelerated aging.