Structural and regulatory characterization of the placental epigenome at its maternal interface.

ABSTRACT: Epigenetics can be loosely defined as the study of cellular "traits" that influence biological phenotype in a fashion that is not dependent on the underlying primary DNA sequence. One setting in which epigenetics is likely to have a profound influence on biological phenotype is during intrauterine development. In this context there is a defined and critical window during which balanced homeostasis is essential for normal fetal growth and development. We have carried out a detailed structural and functional analysis of the placental epigenome at its maternal interface. Specifically, we performed genome wide analysis of DNA methylation in samples of chorionic villus (CVS) and maternal blood cells (MBC) using both commercially available and custom designed microarrays. We then compared these

SUBMITTER: Chu T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3044138 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature