DNA methylation: an epigenetic risk factor in preterm birth.
Spontaneous preterm birth (PTB; birth prior to 37 weeks of gestation) is a complex phenotype with multiple risk factors that complicate our understanding of its etiology. A number of recent studies have supported the hypothesis that epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation induced by pregnancy-related risk factors may influence the risk of PTB or result in changes that predispose a neonate to adult-onset diseases. The critical role of timing of gene expression in the etiology of PTB makes it a highly relevant disorder in which to examine the potential role of epigenetic changes. Because changes in DNA methylation patterns can result in long-term consequences, it is of critical interest to identify the epigenetic patterns associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review examines the potential role of DNA methylation as a risk factor for PTB and discusses several issues and limitations that should be considered when planning DNA methylation studies.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, TX 77555, USA. ram.menon@utmb.edu
Ramkumar
R
Menon
Karen N
KN
Conneely
Alicia K
AK
Smith
D000818:Animals; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000235:genetics; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000235:genetics*; D012307:Risk Factors