Global DNA methylation is influenced by smoking behaviour.
The level of epigenetic DNA methylation is an important factor in the pathogenesis of various human diseases. As smoking may influence DNA methylation, we investigated the effect of smoking habits on global DNA methylation in 298 genomic DNA samples (73 fathers, 69 mothers and 156 offspring). We did not find a direct effect of smoking on global DNA methylation. However, there was an association of the offspring's DNA methylation with paternal DNA methylation that was strongest if both had never smoked (R2corr=0.41, Beta=0.68, p=0.02) and completely vanished if the offspring smoked or had ever smoked. These findings suggest an association between smoking behaviour and global DNA methylation, which may be of importance for a wide range of diseases.
Hillemacher
Thomas
T
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
Frieling
Helge
H
Moskau
Susanna
S
Muschler
Marc A N
MA
Semmler
Alexander
A
Kornhuber
Johannes
J
Klockgether
Thomas
T
Bleich
Stefan
S
Linnebank
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects; D019175:DNA Methylation / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010290:Parents; D012907:Smoking / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000523:psychology*
D004247:DNA