Arsenic exposure induces genomic hypermethylation.
Gene-specific hypermethylation has previously been detected in Arsenic exposed persons. To monitor the level of whole genome methylation in persons exposed to different levels of Arsenic via drinking water, DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 64 persons. Uptake of methyl group from (3)H labeled S-Adenosyl Methionine after incubation of DNA with SssI methylase was measured. Results showed statistically significant (P = 0.0004) decrease in uptake of (3)H methyl group in the persons exposed to 250-500 microg/L arsenic, indicating genomic hypermethylation.
Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Calcutta, 92 APC Road, Kolkata, India.
Sunipa
S
Majumdar
Sarmishtha
S
Chanda
Bhaswati
B
Ganguli
D N Guha
DN
Mazumder
Sarbari
S
Lahiri
Uma B
UB
Dasgupta
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001151:Arsenic / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D019175:DNA Methylation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D019942:Genes, p16; D016158:Genes, p53; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D055815:Young Adult
D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D001151:Arsenic