INVESTIGADORES
VIZIOLI Nora Matilde
artículos
Título:
Epigenetic modulation expressed as methylation changes in DNA from primary school children of two different geographical environments
Autor/es:
RATTI, S; VIZIOLI NM; ALVAREZ, EO
Revista:
American Journal of Neuroprotection and Neuroregeneration
Editorial:
American Scientific Publishers
Referencias:
Lugar: Weinheim; Año: 2010 vol. 2 p. 65 - 70
ISSN:
1947-2951
Resumen:
In previous work, proportions of the phenotypic characteristics attributable to the HSR (Hand Skill
Relative, OMIM 139900) gene were found modified in primary school children from one of two
distinct geographical regions of La Rioja province (Argentina). HSR gene has been described subjected
to epigenetic regulation, and one of the main molecular mechanisms whereby this regulation
is performed is by methylation of DNA. Thus, it was of interest in the present work to analyze in
these children the possibility of changes in the DNA methylation patterns. 40 children from the two
regions (20 from Region 2, and 20 from Region 1, considered control) were randomly selected from
the original total sample of 547 children, and blood samples were taken to analyze the DNA methylation
patterns by capillary electrophoresis technique. The phenotypic characterization for HSR also
was performed on the children sample. Results showed that children from Region 2 had significantly
altered the writing/reading capacity with a proportion about 65% of writing disturbances over
control children of Region 1. No statistical differences were found in the other two phenotypic traits
linked to the HSR gene (brain asymmetry and handedness). Molecular analysis of the methylation
patterns revealed a significantly higher ratio of non-methylated to methylated cytosine in DNA from
children of Region 2, compared to those of Region 1 (control). The present results suggest that
the altered proportions of phenotypic characteristics found in children of Region 2 are supported
by altered DNA methylation patterns, suggesting an environmental epigenetic modulation of DNA
expression.