Genome-wide methylation profiling of maternal cell-free DNA using methylated DNA sequencing (MeD-seq) indicates a placental and immune-cell signature.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Placental-originated cell-free DNA (cfDNA) provides unique opportunities to study (epi)genetic placental programming remotely, but studies investigating the cfDNA methylome are scarce and usually technologically challenging. Methylated DNA sequencing (MeD-seq) is well compatible with low cfDNA concentrations and has a high genome-wide coverage. We therefore aim to investigate the feasibility of genome-wide methylation profiling of first trimester maternal cfDNA using MeD-seq, by identifying placental-specific methylation marks in cfDNA.

Methods

We collected cfDNA from nonpregnant controls (female n = 6, male n = 12) and pregnant women (n = 10), first trimester placentas (n = 10), and paired preconceptional and first trimester buffy coats (total n = 20). Differenti

SUBMITTER: van Vliet MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11810559 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature