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Updated: Jun 12, 2025
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Optimized Analysis of DNA Methylation and Gene Expression from Small, Anatomically-defined Areas of the Brain
Published on: July 12, 2012
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Evaluating the association between placenta DNA methylation and cognitive functions in the offspring
Laia Diez-Ahijado1,2,3, Ariadna Cilleros-Portet4, Nora Fernández-Jimenez4
1ISGlobal, Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain.
Translational Psychiatry
|September 20, 2024
Summary
Placental DNA methylation is linked to children's cognitive abilities. Specific methylation patterns in the placenta correlate with general cognitive, verbal, and perceptive scores at age 4, suggesting a role in neurodevelopment.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Neurodevelopmental Biology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- The placenta is vital for fetal protection and brain development.
- Compromised placental function may increase neurodevelopmental disorder risk.
- Placental DNA methylation is a potential mediator between intrauterine exposures and mental health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between placental DNA methylation and cognitive functions in children.
- To explore if placental DNA methylation profiles correlate with verbal, perceptive, and general cognitive scores at age 4.
Main Methods:
- Epigenome-wide association analyses were conducted on placental DNA methylation data from 255 mother-child pairs.
- The Illumina EPIC array was used to measure DNA methylation.
- Cognitive functions were assessed using the McCarthy Scales of Children's Functions.
Main Results:
- Significant associations were found between methylation at 4 CpGs and the general cognitive score.
- Two distinct differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were associated with specific cognitive dimensions.
- Genes annotated to these CpGs are involved in placenta, fetal, and brain development.
Conclusions:
- Placental DNA methylation may influence offspring brain development and cognitive function.
- These findings highlight placental epigenetic modifications as a potential mechanism linking intrauterine environment to cognitive outcomes.
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