DNA Methylation Changes in the Human Brain Across the Lifespan
Author Information
Author(s): Siegmund Kimberly D., Connor Caroline M., Campan Mihaela, Long Tiffany I., Weisenberger Daniel J., Biniszkiewicz Detlev, Jaenisch Rudolf, Laird Peter W., Akbarian Schahram
Primary Institution: University of Southern California
Hypothesis
How is DNA methylation regulated in the human cerebral cortex throughout life and in relation to psychiatric disorders?
Conclusion
DNA methylation in the human cerebral cortex is dynamically regulated throughout the lifespan and is associated with age-related changes in gene expression.
Supporting Evidence
- DNA methylation levels increased with age for many genes in the human brain.
- Alzheimer's disease showed specific alterations in DNA methylation compared to controls.
- The study provides evidence that DNA methylation is an ongoing process in differentiated neurons.
Takeaway
As we grow older, our brain's DNA gets more and more 'sticky' due to a process called methylation, which can affect how our genes work.
Methodology
The study analyzed DNA methylation at 50 loci in the temporal neocortex using MethyLight PCR across a range of ages from 17 weeks of gestation to 104 years.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the focus on specific cohorts and limited genomic loci.
Limitations
The study focused on one area of the cerebral cortex and analyzed a limited number of genomic sequences.
Participant Demographics
Participants ranged in age from 17 weeks of gestation to 104 years, including cohorts with Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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