Normal early pregnancy: a transient state of epigenetic change favoring hypomethylation

Epigenetics. 2012 Jul;7(7):729-34. doi: 10.4161/epi.20388. Epub 2012 Jul 1.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze genome-wide differential methylation patterns in maternal leukocyte DNA in early pregnant and non-pregnant states. This is an age and body mass index matched case-control study comparing the methylation patterns of 27,578 cytosine-guanine (CpG) sites in 14,495 genes in maternal leukocyte DNA in early pregnancy (n = 14), in the same women postpartum (n = 14), and in nulligravid women (n = 14) on a BeadChip platform. Transient widespread hypomethylation was found in early pregnancy as compared with the non-pregnant states. Methylation of nine genes was significantly different in early pregnancy compared with both postpartum and nulligravid states (< 10% False Discovery Rate). Early pregnancy may be characterized by widespread hypomethylation compared with non-pregnant states; there is no apparent permanent methylation imprint after a normal term gestation. Nine potential candidate genes were identified as differentially methylated in early pregnancy and may play a role in the maternal adaptation to pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • DNA Methylation*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Female
  • Genetic Loci
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes / metabolism
  • Pregnancy / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE37722