Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026
12:34
DNA Methylation: Bisulphite Modification and Analysis
Published on: October 21, 2011
106.5K
Cytosine methylation predicts renal function decline in American Indians
Chengxiang Qiu1, Robert L Hanson2, Gudeta Fufaa2
1Renal, Electrolyte, and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Kidney International
|May 1, 2018
Summary
Epigenetic changes, specifically DNA methylation patterns, are linked to diabetic kidney disease progression. Identifying these methylation markers can improve prediction of kidney function decline in diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
- Nephrology
Background:
- Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of mortality in diabetes patients.
- The molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic nephropathy development are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between DNA cytosine methylation levels and the decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in diabetic individuals.
- To identify potential epigenetic biomarkers for predicting diabetic kidney disease progression.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide analysis of cytosine methylation at 397,063 CpG sites in 181 diabetic Pima Indians over six years.
- Statistical association testing between methylation levels and eGFR decline, with corrections for multiple comparisons.
- Validation of methylation probe associations in a separate case-control study and human kidney tissue.
Main Results:
- Seventy-seven CpG sites showed significant association with eGFR decline.
- A model incorporating two methylation probes (cg25799291 and cg22253401) significantly improved eGFR decline prediction (from 23.1% to 42.2% variance explained).
- Associated methylation probes were located in gene regulatory regions, enriched for genes involved in metabolism and apoptosis, and showed consistency with kidney fibrosis markers.
Conclusions:
- Cytosine methylation levels in blood may serve as valuable biomarkers for monitoring diabetic nephropathy progression.
- Epigenetic variations contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Magnetic Declination
476
Magnetic declination is the angle between true north, which aligns with the Earth's rotational axis, and magnetic north, which follows the direction of the Earth's magnetic field. This discrepancy exists because the magnetic poles do not coincide with the geographic poles. The value of magnetic declination depends on the observer's location on Earth and is subject to changes over time due to the dynamic nature of the Earth's magnetic field.The declination is called eastern when magnetic north...
476
02:07Conservation of Declining Populations
13.4K
Conservation of declining population focuses on ways of detecting, diagnosing, and halting a population decline. The approach uses methods to prevent populations from going extinct.
13.4K
01:24Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests
456
Renal function tests are crucial for assessing kidney health, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the kidneys' efficiency in waste elimination, fluid balance, and electrolyte regulation. These tests offer critical insights into kidney function, even though routine measurements may appear normal until there is a significant decline in the glomerular filtration rate or GFR. Typically, signs of kidney impairment only become evident when the GFR falls to about 50% of its normal level.
456
02:27Predicting Molecular Geometry
46.1K
VSEPR Theory for Determination of Electron Pair Geometries
46.1K
01:03Prediction Intervals
3.4K
The interval estimate of any variable is known as the prediction interval. It helps decide if a point estimate is dependable.
However, the point estimate is most likely not the exact value of the population parameter, but close to it. After calculating point estimates, we construct interval estimates, called confidence intervals or prediction intervals. This prediction interval comprises a range of values unlike the point estimate and is a better predictor of the observed sample value, y.
However, the point estimate is most likely not the exact value of the population parameter, but close to it. After calculating point estimates, we construct interval estimates, called confidence intervals or prediction intervals. This prediction interval comprises a range of values unlike the point estimate and is a better predictor of the observed sample value, y.
3.4K
01:17Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Renal Impairment
485
Renal dysfunction significantly impairs the renal clearance of drugs, leading to potential complications in drug therapy. Renal failure, which can be caused by various factors, poses a significant challenge in the elimination of drugs from the body.
One condition associated with renal failure is uremia. Uremia is characterized by impaired glomerular filtration and fluid accumulation in the body. This condition hinders the renal clearance of drugs, resulting in drug accumulation and potential...
One condition associated with renal failure is uremia. Uremia is characterized by impaired glomerular filtration and fluid accumulation in the body. This condition hinders the renal clearance of drugs, resulting in drug accumulation and potential...
485