Meta-analysis of epigenome-wide association studies in neonates reveals widespread differential DNA methylation associated with birthweight

A new study conducted by the Pregnancy And Childhood Epigenetics (PACE) Consortium, in collaboration with the IARC Epigenetics Group, provides new evidence on birthweight as one of the earliest predisposing phenotypes of childhood cancer. The results, published today in Nature Communications, are based on almost 9000 neonates from 24 birth cohorts worldwide.

The study identified 8170 differentially methylated genomic sites (CpGs), with a difference in birthweight ranging from −183 to 178 grams per 10% increase in methylation. Interestingly, a discrete fraction of the methylation markers associated with birthweight overlapped with those previously identified as being associated with maternal smoking, whereas another subset of the markers persisted throughout childhood and adolescence. These findings reveal potential epigenetic markers of risk and precursors of disease in childhood and adolescence, although further research is needed to investigate potential causal inference and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

The study adds to the increasing evidence about the importance of epigenetic mechanisms during early life. It is part of a broader initiative led by the IARC Epigenetics Group aiming to characterize new biomarkers of early-life factors and investigate their potential roles as precursors of childhood cancer, identified in neonatal blood before disease onset.

Küpers LK, Monnereau C, Sharp GC, Yousefi P, Salas LA, Ghantous A, et al.
Meta-analysis of epigenome-wide association studies in neonates reveals widespread differential DNA methylation associated with birthweight
Nat Commun, Published online 23 April 2019;
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-09671-3

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