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Neocortical RELN promoter methylation increases significantly after puberty
Carla Lintas1, Antonio M Persico
1Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, University Campus Bio-Medico, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
Neuroreport
|December 3, 2009
Summary
DNA methylation of the Reelin (RELN) gene promoter increases significantly after puberty. This age-related epigenetic change may contribute to the onset of schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder during adolescence.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Epigenetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Reelin (RELN) is crucial for neurodevelopment.
- Altered RELN promoter methylation and gene expression are linked to schizophrenia and autism.
- Understanding RELN regulation is key to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-dependent changes in RELN promoter methylation.
- To explore the potential role of sex hormones in RELN methylation.
- To link physiological epigenetic modifications to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of post-mortem temporocortical tissue (Brodmann Area 41/42).
- Assessment of RELN promoter methylation in prepuberal and postpuberal individuals.
- Statistical comparison of methylation levels between age groups.
Main Results:
- Prepuberal individuals showed minimal RELN promoter methylation.
- Postpuberal individuals exhibited significant hypermethylation, particularly between -131 and -98 bp.
- A significant difference in methylation was observed between prepuberal and postpuberal groups (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Sex hormones appear to induce DNA methylation at the RELN promoter during puberty.
- This puberty-associated epigenetic shift in RELN may contribute to schizophrenia onset and autism worsening.
- Age-related epigenetic changes in RELN are a potential factor in adolescent-onset neurodevelopmental disorders.
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