From blood to lung tissue: effect of cigarette smoke on DNA methylation and lung function.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of COPD. The epigenome, and more specifically DNA methylation, is recognized as important link between these factors. We postulate that DNA methylation is one of the routes by which cigarette smoke influences the development of COPD. In this study, we aim to identify CpG-sites that are associated with cigarette smoke exposure and lung function levels in whole blood and validate these CpG-sites in lung tissue.

Methods

The association between pack years and DNA methylation was studied genome-wide in 658 current smokers with >5 pack years using robust linear regression analysis. Using mediation analysis, we subsequently selected the CpG-sites that were also associated with lung function levels. Signific

SUBMITTER: de Vries M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6215675 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature