Age and early life adversity shape heterogeneity of the epigenome across tissues in macaques

A study published in Science in June 2026 examined how age and early life adversity shape the epigenome in macaques. The epigenome represents a set of chemical marks on DNA that regulate gene expression without changing the DNA sequence itself. The research found that these factors create heterogeneity, meaning diversity of epigenetic changes, across different tissues in the body. Age and stress or adverse conditions experienced in early childhood have a significant impact on epigenetic modifications. These changes manifest differently in individual tissues, suggesting a complex relationship between life experiences and molecular processes in the body. Research on primates provides valuable insights into mechanisms that may be relevant to human biology as well.