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Updated: May 26, 2026
13:47
Enhanced Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing for Assessment of DNA Methylation at Base Pair Resolution
Published on: February 24, 2015
DNA methylation: an epigenetic risk factor in preterm birth
Ramkumar Menon1, Karen N Conneely, Alicia K Smith
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, TX 77555, USA. ram.menon@utmb.edu
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
|January 10, 2012
Summary
Epigenetic changes, like DNA methylation, may increase the risk of spontaneous preterm birth (PTB). Understanding these epigenetic patterns is crucial for identifying risks and long-term health consequences in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Epigenetics
- Perinatal Health
- Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD)
Background:
- Spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) is a complex condition with poorly understood causes.
- Pregnancy-related factors may induce epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, influencing PTB risk.
- Epigenetic changes can have lasting effects on neonatal health and predispose to adult-onset diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential role of DNA methylation as a risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth (PTB).
- To discuss the implications of epigenetic changes in PTB for long-term health outcomes.
- To highlight considerations and limitations for future DNA methylation studies in PTB.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating DNA methylation and PTB.
- Synthesis of current hypotheses on epigenetic mechanisms in PTB etiology.
- Analysis of the impact of DNA methylation on gene expression timing during pregnancy.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests DNA methylation patterns are associated with spontaneous preterm birth risk.
- Epigenetic modifications induced by pregnancy risk factors may play a significant role.
- Identified epigenetic patterns could have long-term consequences for neonates.
Conclusions:
- DNA methylation is a critical area of research for understanding spontaneous preterm birth.
- Further investigation into epigenetic patterns is needed to identify at-risk pregnancies and improve neonatal outcomes.
- Methodological considerations are essential for robust DNA methylation research in PTB.
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