Methylomic changes in response to micronutrient supplementation and MTHFR genotype

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Epigenetics
• Genomics
• Human Physiology

Background:

• The impact of dietary components on DNA methylation patterns, including necessary exposure times and dosages, remains largely uncharacterized.
• Epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in gene expression and cellular function, influenced by various environmental factors, including diet.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation changes in response to dietary supplementation within a human randomized-controlled-trial (RCT).
• To investigate the potential of broad-spectrum vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to alter DNA methylation patterns.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Infinium Methylation EPIC 850K array for comprehensive genome-wide methylation analysis.
• Assessed DNA methylation changes from paired peripheral blood samples collected during the RCT.
• Employed a randomized-controlled-trial (RCT) design for dietary supplementation.

Main Results:

• Observed an increase in methylation at 84% of the most significant differentially methylated CpGs.
• No differentially methylated CpGs reached statistical significance after genome-wide testing adjustment.
• Identified a trend toward hypermethylation across the genome.

Conclusions:

• Micronutrient supplementation over 10 weeks is unlikely to induce substantial biological effects on DNA methylation.
• The observed trend towards hypermethylation suggests that longer exposure periods may result in more pronounced epigenetic modifications.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the dose-response and time-course relationship between micronutrient intake and DNA methylation.