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Neurobehavior related to epigenetic differences in preterm infants
Barry M Lester1,2,3,4, Carmen J Marsit5, James Giarraputo1,6
1Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Providence, RI, USA.
Epigenomics
|November 21, 2015
Summary
Preterm birth impacts newborn neurobehavior via epigenetic changes in cortisol-regulating genes. DNA methylation of NR3C1 and HSD11B2 is linked to high-risk neurobehavioral profiles in preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Epigenetics
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Preterm birth is linked to neuroendocrine system issues, affecting cortisol levels and newborn neurobehavior.
- Newborn neurobehavior is influenced by DNA methylation patterns in the NR3C1 and HSD11B2 genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between HSD11B2 and NR3C1 gene methylation and neurobehavioral profiles in preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- Neurobehavioral assessments were conducted before hospital discharge in 67 preterm infants.
- DNA was extracted from cheek swabs collected from the infants.
Main Results:
- Infants with high-risk neurobehavioral profiles exhibited increased NR3C1 CpG3 methylation and decreased HSD11B2 CpG3 methylation compared to low-risk infants.
- These neurobehavioral profiles correlated with specific methylation patterns at these CpG sites.
Conclusions:
- Preterm birth is associated with epigenetic alterations in genes regulating cortisol.
- These epigenetic differences in NR3C1 and HSD11B2 are linked to high-risk neurobehavioral outcomes in preterm infants.
