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Epigenome-wide association study identifies neonatal DNA methylation associated with two-year attention problems in

Marie Camerota1,2, Barry M Lester3,4,5, Francisco Xavier Castellanos6,7

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. marie_camerota@brown.edu.

Translational Psychiatry
|February 28, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal DNA methylation predicts attention problems in very preterm infants by age two. This epigenetic information may help identify at-risk children for early intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Previous research identified epigenetic predictors of attention problems in older children.
  • These predictors have not been studied in young children or those at high risk due to preterm birth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate epigenome-wide associations between neonatal DNA methylation and attention problems at age two in very preterm infants.
  • To identify potential early biomarkers for attention difficulties in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • The study analyzed data from 441 very preterm infants (<30 weeks gestational age) from the Neonatal Neurobehavior and Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants (NOVI) Study.
  • Neonatal DNA methylation was measured using buccal swabs and the Illumina MethylationEPIC Bead Array.
  • Attention problems were assessed at two years using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).

Main Results:

  • DNA methylation at 33 CpG sites was significantly associated with attention problems after adjusting for multiple testing.
  • These CpG sites were located in genes previously linked to ADHD and other health conditions.
  • Some sites were also associated with prenatal risk factors in the NOVI sample.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal epigenetics, assessed at NICU discharge, can help identify preterm infants at risk for attention problems.
  • Early identification may facilitate timely prevention and intervention for attention deficits and related psychiatric disorders.

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