Variable DNA methylation is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung function.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with local (lung) and systemic (blood) inflammation and manifestations. DNA methylation is an important regulator of gene transcription, and global and specific gene methylation marks may vary with cigarette smoke exposure.

Objectives

To perform a comprehensive assessment of methylation marks in DNA from subjects well phenotyped for nonneoplastic lung disease.

Methods

We conducted array-based methylation screens, using a test-replication approach, in two family-based cohorts (n = 1,085 and 369 subjects).

Measurements and main results

We observed 349 CpG sites significantly associated with the presence and severity of COPD in both cohorts. Seventy percent of the associated CpG sites were outsid

SUBMITTER: Qiu W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3297093 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature