DNA methylation shows genome-wide association of<i>NFIX</i>,<i>RAPGEF2</i>and<i>MSRB3</i>with gestational age at birth

Abstract

We have identified three differentially methylated regions associated with gestational age at birth. All three nearby genes play important roles in the development of several organs, including skeletal muscle, brain and haematopoietic system. Therefore, they may provide initial insight into the basis of PTB's negative health outcomes. The genome-wide custom DNA methylation array technology and novel statistical methods employed in this study could constitute a model for epidemiologic studies of epigenetic variation.