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AuthorRazzaq, Aleem
AuthorElKahlout, Razan
AuthorNasrallah, Gheyath K.
AuthorIbrahim, Faisal E.
AuthorSamara, Muthanna
AuthorZayed, Hatem
AuthorAbdulrouf, Palli Valapila
AuthorAl-Jurf, Rana
AuthorNajjar, Ahmed
AuthorFarrell, Thomas
AuthorQoronfleh, M. Walid
AuthorRifai, Hilal Al
AuthorAl-Dewik, Nader
Available date2025-06-16T10:01:02Z
Publication Date2025-01-02
Publication NameLifestyle Genomics
Identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000543372
CitationRazzaq, A., ElKahlout, R., Nasrallah, G. K., Ibrahim, F. E., Samara, M., Zayed, H., ... & Al-Dewik, N. (2025). Exploring Differentially Methylated Genes among Preterm Birth and Full-Term Birth. Lifestyle Genomics, 18(1), 76-89.
ISSN2504-3161
URIhttps://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=105006680746&origin=inward
URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10576/65565
AbstractINTRODUCTION: Preterm birth (PTB) is a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality. DNA methylation plays a critical role in fetal development and may serve as an epigenetic biomarker for PTB. However, few epigenetic studies have investigated PTB-specific DNA methylation changes. This study aimed to identify epigenetic differences between PTB and term birth (TB) infants. METHODS: A total of 218 cord blood samples from three independent PTB studies were analyzed to identify epigenetic differences between PTB and TB infants. Differential methylation analysis was conducted while adjusting for key covariates, including gestational age, sex, and disease status. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) (genes and promoters) and differentially methylated sites (DMSs) (CpG sites) were assessed for significant methylation differences between the two groups. RESULTS: In PTB infants, several genes, including RNASE3, HGF, CLEC5A, LIPN, NXF1, and CCDC12 showed significant hypermethylation (p < 0.05), while the MUC20 and IFNL4 genes showed significant hypomethylation (p < 0.05). The eForge analysis revealed that hypermethylated (p < 0.05) CpG sites were significantly enriched in different fetal tissues such as the small and large intestines, adrenal gland, fetal heart, lungs, and kidney, whereas hypomethylated CpGs showed no significant enrichment. Gene ontology analysis indicated that differentially methylated genes were primarily involved in immune response regulation. Notably, S100A9 and S100A8 genes, which play crucial roles in neonatal immune function and sepsis risk, were hypermethylated (p < 0.05) in PTB infants. CONCLUSION: This study identified PTB-associated DNA methylation changes in immune-related genes, suggesting their potential epigenetic biomarkers for PTB. These findings enhance our understanding of PTB pathogenesis and may contribute to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
SponsorThe publication of this article is funded by the Qatar National Library (QNL), Doha, Qatar for open access. It was also supported by the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), a member of Qatar Foundation Doha, Qatar, National Priority Research Programs grant (NPRP12S0302-190201).
Languageen
PublisherKarger
SubjectBiomarkers
Differentially methylated regions
Epigenetics
Preterm birth
TitleExploring Differentially Methylated Genes among Preterm Birth and Full-Term Birth
TypeArticle
Pagination76-89
Issue Number1
Volume Number18
ESSN2504-3188
dc.accessType Open Access


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