Browsing by Author "Nilsson, Eric"

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    Preterm birth buccal cell epigenetic biomarkers to facilitate preventative medicine
    (Springer Nature, 2022-03-01) Winchester, Paul; Nilsson, Eric; Beck, Daniel; Skinner, Michael K.; Pediatrics, School of Medicine
    Preterm birth is the major cause of newborn and infant mortality affecting nearly one in every ten live births. The current study was designed to develop an epigenetic biomarker for susceptibility of preterm birth using buccal cells from the mother, father, and child (triads). An epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) was used to identify differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs) using a comparison of control term birth versus preterm birth triads. Epigenetic DMR associations with preterm birth were identified for both the mother and father that were distinct and suggest potential epigenetic contributions from both parents. The mother (165 DMRs) and female child (136 DMRs) at p < 1e-04 had the highest number of DMRs and were highly similar suggesting potential epigenetic inheritance of the epimutations. The male child had negligible DMR associations. The DMR associated genes for each group involve previously identified preterm birth associated genes. Observations identify a potential paternal germline contribution for preterm birth and identify the potential epigenetic inheritance of preterm birth susceptibility for the female child later in life. Although expanded clinical trials and preconception trials are required to optimize the potential epigenetic biomarkers, such epigenetic biomarkers may allow preventative medicine strategies to reduce the incidence of preterm birth.
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    Role of epigenetics in the etiology of hypospadias through penile foreskin DNA methylation alterations
    (Springer Nature, 2023-01-11) Kaefer, Martin; Rink, Richard; Misseri, Rosalia; Winchester, Paul; Proctor, Cathy; Ben Maamar, Millissia; Beck, Daniel; Nilsson, Eric; Skinner, Michael K.; Pediatrics, School of Medicine
    Abnormal penile foreskin development in hypospadias is the most frequent genital malformation in male children, which has increased dramatically in recent decades. A number of environmental factors have been shown to be associated with hypospadias development. The current study investigated the role of epigenetics in the etiology of hypospadias and compared mild (distal), moderate (mid shaft), and severe (proximal) hypospadias. Penile foreskin samples were collected from hypospadias and non-hypospadias individuals to identify alterations in DNA methylation associated with hypospadias. Dramatic numbers of differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs) were observed in the mild hypospadias, with reduced numbers in moderate and low numbers in severe hypospadias. Atresia (cell loss) of the principal foreskin fibroblast is suspected to be a component of the disease etiology. A genome-wide (> 95%) epigenetic analysis was used and the genomic features of the DMRs identified. The DMR associated genes identified a number of novel hypospadias associated genes and pathways, as well as genes and networks known to be involved in hypospadias etiology. Observations demonstrate altered DNA methylation sites in penile foreskin is a component of hypospadias etiology. In addition, a potential role of environmental epigenetics and epigenetic inheritance in hypospadias disease etiology is suggested.