表观遗传改变是指在不改变底层 DNA 序列的情况下发生的基因表达的可遗传变化。在衰老过程中，这些调控机制会逐渐失调，导致不适当的基因沉默、激活以及染色质组织改变，从而导致细胞功能障碍和与衰老相关的病理变化。
随着生物体衰老，表观遗传景观（epigenetic landscape）会发生系统性改变：
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属于 衰老标志 系列的一部分