Epigenetic changes linked to cell replication connect ageing with cancer risk

A replication-associated DNA methylation signature termed CellDRIFT has been identified, providing evidence that epigenetic drift accumulating with cell division contributes to oncogenic transformation and links ageing to increased cancer risk. Sandra Romero-Cordoba discusses the study in a Journal Club article, highlighting how this methylation clock tied specifically to replication rather than chronological age may help explain why cancer incidence rises with age. The finding offers a mechanistic framework connecting proliferative history of tissues to their susceptibility to malignant transformation.