[PDF] EWAS Data Hub: a resource of DNA methylation array data and metadata | Semantic Scholar (2024)

FAQs

What is DNA methylation array? ›

Methylation arrays enable quantitative interrogation of selected methylation sites across the genome, offering high-throughput capabilities that minimize the cost per sample. Array-based methylation studies can provide valuable insights into the regulation of gene expression.

MethDB - the database for DNA methylation and environmental epigenetic effects. Contact our help desk for technical support and data submission. Proceed with search to send a query to MethDB. The people behind MethDB and server statistics.

DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that plays an important role in regulating gene expression and therefore a broad range of biological processes and diseases.

DNA methylation is a universal epigenetic mechanism that suppresses gene expression in various ways and is involved in the regulation of the activity of the other two mechanisms mentioned above: histone modification and gene expression regulation by non-coding RNAs.

DNA methylation is essential for silencing retroviral elements, regulating tissue-specific gene expression, genomic imprinting, and X chromosome inactivation. Importantly, DNA methylation in different genomic regions may exert different influences on gene activities based on the underlying genetic sequence.

Typically, methylation turns genes off and demethylation turns genes on. Thus, environmental factors can impact the amount of protein a cell makes. Less protein might be made if an environmental factor causes an increase in DNA methylation, and more protein might be made if a factor causes an increase in demethylation.

In mammals, DNA methylation occurs at cytosines in any context of the genome. However, more than 98% of DNA methylation occurs in a CpG dinucleotide context in somatic cells, while as much as a quarter of all methylation appears in a non-CpG context in embryonic stem cells (ESCs).

Additional research found that choline, betaine, folate, vitamin B12, and other B vitamins are methyl donors and co-factors that contribute to DNA methylation. The researchers suggest these nutrients may help prevent cancer and other pathological conditions.

Two nucleoside inhibitors of DNA methylation, azacitidine and decitabine, are now standard of care for the treatment of the myelodysplastic syndrome, a deadly form of leukemia.

DNA methylation analysis allows scientists to gain valuable insight into gene regulation and identify potential biomarkers. Aberrant DNA methylation has been implicated in many disease processes, including cancer, obesity, and addiction.

What is DNA methylation in disease? ›

DNA methylation errors occur in several diseases including cancer, syndromes caused by imprinting errors (Prader-Willi, and Angelman syndromes), Fragile X syndrome and ICF syndrome [105]. Among these, the role of DNA methylation in cancer has been extensively studied.

Currently, there are three primary methods to identify and quantify DNA methylation. These are: sodium bisulfite conversion and sequencing, differential enzymatic cleavage of DNA, and affinity capture of methylated DNA (1). Restriction enzyme based differential cleavage of methylated DNA is locus-specific.

Methylation changes can occur due to the loss of maintenance of methylation marks by the DNMT enzymes during cell division (passive demethylation) or by active removal of methylation marks by the TET enzymes (active demethylation). DNMT dysfunction has been linked to oxidative stress and environmental exposures.

Epigenetic changes are responsible for human diseases, including Fragile X syndrome, Angelman's syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and various cancers.

Thus, contrary to the commonly accepted model, DNA methylation is a reversible signal, similar to other physiological biochemical modifications.

A chemical reaction in the body in which a small molecule called a methyl group gets added to DNA, proteins, or other molecules. The addition of methyl groups can affect how some molecules act in the body. For example, methylation of the DNA sequence of a gene may turn the gene off so it does not make a protein.

DNA methylation analysis allows scientists to gain valuable insight into gene regulation and identify potential biomarkers. Aberrant DNA methylation has been implicated in many disease processes, including cancer, obesity, and addiction.

DNA methylation has been shown to play a key role in regulating genes involved in metabolic adaptation during pregnancy, and aberrant DNA methylation has been demonstrated during pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, hypertension, GDM, early pregnancy loss and preterm birth (24–27).

Abstract. DNA cytosine methylation is a principal epigenetic mechanism underlying transcription during development and aging. Growing evidence suggests that DNA methylation plays a critical role in brain function, including neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation, synaptogenesis, learning, and memory.