Breaking rules: the complex relationship between DNA methylation and X-chromosome inactivation in the human placenta.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The human placenta is distinct from most organs due to its uniquely low-methylated genome. DNA methylation (DNAme) is particularly depleted in the placenta at partially methylated domains and on the inactive X chromosome (Xi) in XX samples. While Xi DNAme is known to be critical for X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) in other tissues, its role in the placenta remains unclear. Understanding X-linked DNAme variation in the placenta may provide insights into XCI and have implications for prenatal development and phenotypic sex differences.

Methods

DNAme data were analyzed from over 350 human placental (chorionic villus) samples, along with samples from cord blood, amnion and chorion placental membranes, and fetal somatic tissues. We characterized X chromosome DNAme vari

SUBMITTER: Inkster AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11877730 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature