Methylation alterations at imprinted genes detected among long-term shiftworkers

Area of Science:

• Epigenetics
• Occupational Health
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Shiftwork, involving light exposure at night, is associated with altered DNA methylation and increased cancer risk.
• Imprinted genes play crucial roles in development and disease, and their methylation patterns are tightly regulated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether long-term shiftwork is associated with alterations in DNA methylation patterns at imprinted genes.
• To identify specific imprinted genes whose methylation may be affected by shiftwork.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of DNA methylation levels at 397 CpG sites in 56 imprinted genes using Illumina Infinium Methylation Assay.
• Comparison of methylation patterns between 10 female long-term shiftworkers and 10 age- and folate intake-matched female day workers.
• Quantitative DNA methylation analysis to confirm findings.

Main Results:

• Significant alterations in DNA methylation were observed in shiftworkers compared to day workers.
• Methylation was significantly higher at 20 CpG sites and lower at 30 CpG sites (P < 0.05).
• Strongest evidence for altered methylation was found for DLX5, IGF2AS, and TP73.

Conclusions:

• Long-term shiftwork may induce epigenetic changes, specifically altering methylation patterns at imprinted genes.
• These methylation alterations may represent a mechanism contributing to the carcinogenic potential of shiftwork.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of shiftwork-induced epigenetic modifications in cancer development.