DNA methylation contributes to natural human variation

DNA methylation patterns are important for establishing cell, tissue, and organism phenotypes, but little is known about their contribution to natural human variation. To determine their contribution to variability, we have generated genome-scale DNA methylation profiles of three human populations (...

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Veröffentlicht in:Genome research Jg. 23; H. 9; S. 1363
Hauptverfasser: Heyn, Holger, Moran, Sebastian, Hernando-Herraez, Irene, Sayols, Sergi, Gomez, Antonio, Sandoval, Juan, Monk, Dave, Hata, Kenichiro, Marques-Bonet, Tomas, Wang, Liewei, Esteller, Manel
Format: Journal Article
Sprache:Englisch
Veröffentlicht: United States 01.09.2013
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ISSN:1549-5469, 1549-5469
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Zusammenfassung:DNA methylation patterns are important for establishing cell, tissue, and organism phenotypes, but little is known about their contribution to natural human variation. To determine their contribution to variability, we have generated genome-scale DNA methylation profiles of three human populations (Caucasian-American, African-American, and Han Chinese-American) and examined the differentially methylated CpG sites. The distinctly methylated genes identified suggest an influence of DNA methylation on phenotype differences, such as susceptibility to certain diseases and pathogens, and response to drugs and environmental agents. DNA methylation differences can be partially traced back to genetic variation, suggesting that differentially methylated CpG sites serve as evolutionarily established mediators between the genetic code and phenotypic variability. Notably, one-third of the DNA methylation differences were not associated with any genetic variation, suggesting that variation in population-specific sites takes place at the genetic and epigenetic levels, highlighting the contribution of epigenetic modification to natural human variation.
Bibliographie:ObjectType-Article-1
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content type line 23
ISSN:1549-5469
1549-5469
DOI:10.1101/gr.154187.112