Diagenode

Epigenome-wide association study of physical activity and physiologicalparameters in discordant monozygotic twins.


Duncan Glen E et al.

An epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) was performed on buccal cells from monozygotic-twins (MZ) reared together as children, but who live apart as adults. Cohorts of twin pairs were used to investigate associations between neighborhood walkability and objectively measured physical activity (PA) levels. Due to dramatic cellular epigenetic sex differences, male and female MZ twin pairs were analyzed separately to identify differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs). A priori comparisons were made on MZ twin pairs discordant on body mass index (BMI), PA levels, and neighborhood walkability. In addition to direct comparative analysis to identify specific DMRs, a weighted genome coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify DNA methylation sites associated with the physiological traits of interest. The pairs discordant in PA levels had epigenetic alterations that correlated with reduced metabolic parameters (i.e., BMI and waist circumference). The DNA methylation sites are associated with over fifty genes previously found to be specific to vigorous PA, metabolic risk factors, and sex. Combined observations demonstrate that behavioral factors, such as physical activity, appear to promote systemic epigenetic alterations that impact metabolic risk factors. The epigenetic DNA methylation sites and associated genes identified provide insight into PA impacts on metabolic parameters and the etiology of obesity.

Tags
Antibody

Share this article

Published
November, 2022

Source

Products used in this publication

  • Mouse IgG
    C15200006-100
    5-methylcytosine (5-mC) Antibody - cl. b

Events

  • London Calling 2024
    London, UK
    May 21-May 24, 2024
  • Symposium of the Young Scientist Association
    Vienna, Austria
    May 28-May 29, 2024
  • ESHG 2024
    Berlin, Germany
    Jun 1-Jun 4, 2024
  • CLEPIC 2024
    Warsaw, Poland
    Jun 5-Jun 7, 2024
  • EACR 2024
    Rotterdam, Netherlands
    Jun 10-Jun 13, 2024
  • Chromatin meets South 2024
    Marseille, France
    Jun 13-Jun 14, 2024
 See all events

 


       Site map   |   Contact us   |   Conditions of sales   |   Conditions of purchase   |   Privacy policy   |   Diagenode Diagnostics