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Updated: May 17, 2026
13:47
Enhanced Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing for Assessment of DNA Methylation at Base Pair Resolution
Published on: February 24, 2015
Factors underlying variable DNA methylation in a human community cohort
Lucia L Lam1, Eldon Emberly, Hunter B Fraser
1Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Summary
Epigenetics, particularly DNA methylation, reflects early-life experiences and influences gene activity. This study links epigenetic variation to demographic, psychosocial, and inflammatory factors in a human population.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Human Health and Disease
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
Background:
- Epigenetics offers a mechanism linking early-life experiences to persistent genomic changes.
- DNA methylation, a key epigenetic mark, regulates gene activity and is crucial for studying human populations.
- Understanding epigenetic variation is vital for comprehending gene regulation and its environmental influences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess epigenetic variation by measuring DNA methylation in human genes.
- To identify factors influencing the epigenome, including early-life socioeconomic status.
- To determine the functional relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DNA methylation in promoter regions of over 14,000 genes.
- Utilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a community-based cohort.
- Stratified cohort based on early-life socioeconomic status.
Main Results:
- DNA methylation patterns correlated with leukocyte composition, demographic factors (sex, age, ethnicity), and psychosocial factors (stress, cortisol).
- Early-life socioeconomic status was associated with DNA methylation.
- DNA methylation showed a strong correlation with ex vivo inflammatory response to microbial stimuli.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic variation is influenced by a complex interplay of demographic, environmental, and biological factors.
- DNA methylation is linked to immune response but shows limited direct correlation with gene expression across individuals.
- This study highlights the intricate nature of epigenetics in human populations and its connection to health and environmental exposures.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
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01:46Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
01:17Phase II Reactions: Methylation Reactions
Methylation is a phase II biotransformation process involving the attachment of a methyl group to a substrate. Enzymes known as methyltransferases orchestrate this reaction.
The mechanism of methylation unfolds in two stages. The first stage sees a methyltransferase enzyme facilitating the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the substrate, forming S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). The second stage involves further metabolism of SAH into homocysteine, which can be recycled...
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01:28Human Genetics
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
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