title: DNA methylation profiling highlights the unique nature of the human placental epigenome.
abstract: As the 'gateway' to the fetus, the placenta is subject to a myriad of environmental factors, each with the potential to alter placental epigenetic and gene expression profile. This can have direct consequences for the developing fetus and potentially even long-term health implications. As a result, interest in placental epigenetics generally, and changes occurring in placenta-associated disease, has intensified over recent years. This article will discuss the general features of placental DNA methylation and will describe current technologies for profiling genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in this tissue, the approaches to data analysis and some of the major findings from recent studies.
authors: Developmental Epigenetics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital & Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia. boris.novakovic@mcri.edu.au
authors: Boris
authors: B
authors: Novakovic
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Saffery
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D019175:DNA Methylation / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D057890:Epigenomics / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D059647:Gene-Environment Interaction; D018392:Genomic Imprinting / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D010922:Placenta Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers