Quantitative, high-resolution epigenetic profiling of CpG loci identifies associations with cord blood plasma homocysteine and birth weight in humans

• DOI: 10.4161/epi.6.1.13392
• Publication Date: 2011-01-21T16:57:37Z
• Authors: Anthony A. Fryer; Richard D. Emes; Khaled M.K. Ismail; Kim E. Haworth; Charles Mein; William D. Carroll; William E. Farrell
• Keywords: CpG site; Cord blood; Epigenome; Differentially methylated regions

Supplementation with folic acid during pregnancy is known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects and low birth weight. It thought that folate other one-carbon intermediates might secure these clinical effects via DNA methylation. We examined on human methylome using quantitative interrogation 27,578 CpG loci associated 14,496 genes at single-nucleotide resolution across 12 fetal cord blood samples. Consistent previous studies, majority dinucleotides located within islands exhibited hypo-methylation while those outside showed mid-high However, for first time in samples, unbiased analysis methylation samples revealed a significant correlation patterns plasma homocysteine, LINE-1 weight centile. Additionally, significantly correlated either or were predominantly islands. These data indicate levels folate-associated reflect their influence consequences epigenome potentially outcome. In cases, be exerted late gestation present peri-conceptual period.