DNA methylation patterns in T lymphocytes are generally stable in human pregnancies but CD3 methylation is associated with perinatal psychiatric symptoms.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To determine whether DNA methylation patterns in genes coding for selected T-lymphocyte proteins are associated with perinatal psychiatric distress or with complications of pregnancy.

Methods

T lymphocyte DNA was obtained from pregnant women across three time points in pregnancy and the postpartum period and epigenetic patterns were assessed using Illumina 450 ​K Methylation Beadchips. Seven selected genes critical for T cell function were analyzed for methylation changes during pregnancy and for associations of methylation patterns with psychiatric distress or with pregnancy complications, with particular attention paid to spatial aggregations of methyl groups, termed 'hotspots,' within the selected genes.

Results

In the candidate gene approach, DNA methyl

SUBMITTER: Robakis TK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8474679 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature