DNA methylation shows genome-wide association of NFIX, RAPGEF2 and MSRB3 with gestational age at birth.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gestational age at birth strongly predicts neonatal, adolescent and adult morbidity and mortality through mostly unknown mechanisms. Identification of specific genes that are undergoing regulatory change prior to birth, such as through changes in DNA methylation, would increase our understanding of developmental changes occurring during the third trimester and consequences of pre-term birth (PTB).

Methods

We performed a genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation (using microarrays, specifically CHARM 2.0) in 141 newborns collected in Baltimore, MD, using novel statistical methodology to identify genomic regions associated with gestational age at birth. Bisulphite pyrosequencing was used to validate significant differentially methylated regions (DMRs), and real-time P

SUBMITTER: Lee H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3304532 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature