Whole genome epigenetic profiling- First steps for the Predict MS Study


http://www.nature.com/news/archived-blood-spots-could-be-epigenetic-jackpot-1.11258

Over the last 50 years, every newborn has their heel pricked onto filter paper (called Guthrie cards) to screen for diseases such as phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cells disorders. After testing these Guthrie cards are stored indefinitely in the NHS and in many other countries across the world.  In a study published today, Team G have shown that epigenetic information stored on these Guthrie cards can provide a retrospective view of the epigenome at birth, potentially a powerful new application for the card that could help understand MS.

DNA methylation, an epigenetic chemical modification of DNA, is known to affect gene activity and play a role in normal development, aging, and also in autoimmune disease. However, epigenetic marks are dynamic and change over time, so when comparing samples of an MSer with someone without MS it is not known whether any epigenetic differences are involved in causing the disease or a result of the disease itself. Guthrie cards offer a snapshot of the epigenome before MS develops, and any differences identified when looking at Guthrie card samples would suggest a causal role for epigenetic marks.

Over the last few years, we have spent time optimising the methodology to look at DNA methylomes from Guthrie cards that contain tiny amounts of DNA.  This methodology will be invaluable for our soon to launch Predict MS study, where we hope to measure genetic, epigenetic and environmental risk factors in MSers and their first degree relatives using blood spots through the post.


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