Identifying DNA Methylation Changes Linked to Type 1 Diabetes
Author Information
Author(s): Rakyan Vardhman K., Beyan Huriya, Down Thomas A., Hawa Mohammed I., Maslau Siarhei, Aden Deeqo, Daunay Antoine, Busato Florence, Mein Charles A., Manfras Burkhard, Dias Kerith-Rae M., Bell Christopher G., Tost Jörg, Boehm Bernhard O., Beck Stephan, Leslie R. David
Primary Institution: Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London
Hypothesis
Epigenetic variation contributes to the non-genetic component of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) aetiology.
Conclusion
The study found that specific DNA methylation changes associated with T1D occur early in the disease process, even before diagnosis.
Supporting Evidence
- 132 different CpG sites were identified that correlated with the diabetic state.
- T1D–MVPs were confirmed to display significant intra-MZ pair DNA methylation differences.
- T1D–MVPs were found in individuals before T1D diagnosis.
- 71% of T1D–MVPs showed expected directionality in pre-T1D samples compared to controls.
- T1D–MVPs were enriched in singletons positive for diabetes-associated autoantibodies but disease-free.
Takeaway
Scientists looked at DNA changes in twins to find clues about why some people get Type 1 Diabetes and others don't, discovering that these changes happen before the disease shows up.
Methodology
An epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) was performed using DNA methylation profiles from purified CD14+ monocytes of T1D-discordant monozygotic twin pairs.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of twin pairs and the specific methodologies used for DNA methylation analysis.
Limitations
The study's findings are based on a limited number of twin pairs and may not be generalizable to all populations.
Participant Demographics
Participants were monozygotic twins of European origin, with one twin diagnosed with T1D and the other healthy.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.035
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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