Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India.
Biochem Genet. 2024 Dec;62(6):4738-4754. doi: 10.1007/s10528-023-10659-4. Epub 2024 Feb 14.
Despite the importance of one carbon metabolic pathway (OCMP) in modulating the DNA methylation process, only a few population-based studies have explored their relationship among healthy individuals. This study aimed to understand the variations in global DNA methylation levels with respect to selected genetic (CBS 844ins68, MTRR A66G, MTR A2756G, and MTHFR C677T polymorphisms) and biochemical (folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine) markers associated with OCMP among healthy North Indian adults. The study has been conducted among 1095 individuals of either sex (69.5% females), aged 30-75 years. A sample of 5 mL of blood was collected from each participant. Homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels were determined using the chemiluminescence technique. Restriction digestion was performed for genotyping MTRR A66G, MTR A2756G, and MTHFR C677T polymorphisms and allele-specific PCR amplification for CBS 844ins68 polymorphism. Global DNA methylation levels were analyzed using ELISA-based colorimetric technique. Of the selected genetic and biochemical markers, the mutant MTRR A66G allele was positively associated with global DNA methylation levels. Further, advanced age was inversely associated with methylation levels. MTRR 66GG genotype group was hypermethylated than other genotypes in folate replete and vitamin B12 deficient group (a condition prevalent among vegetarians), suggesting that the G allele may be more efficient than the wild-type allele in such conditions. Global DNA methylation levels appeared to be more influenced by genetic than biochemical factors. MTRR 66G allele may have a selective advantage in vitamin B12 deficient conditions. Further research should be undertaken to understand how genetics affects epigenetic processes.
尽管一碳代谢途径(OCMP)在调节 DNA 甲基化过程中非常重要,但只有少数基于人群的研究探讨了其在健康个体中的关系。本研究旨在了解与 OCMP 相关的选定遗传(CBS844ins68、MTRR A66G、MTR A2756G 和 MTHFR C677T 多态性)和生化(叶酸、维生素 B12 和同型半胱氨酸)标志物的个体间全球 DNA 甲基化水平的变化。该研究在 1095 名年龄在 30-75 岁的印度北部健康成年人中进行,他们的性别比例为 69.5%(女性)。从每位参与者中采集 5 毫升血液样本。采用化学发光技术测定同型半胱氨酸、叶酸和维生素 B12 水平。采用限制酶切消化法对 MTRR A66G、MTR A2756G 和 MTHFR C677T 多态性进行基因分型,采用等位基因特异性 PCR 扩增法对 CBS844ins68 多态性进行基因分型。采用 ELISA 比色法分析全球 DNA 甲基化水平。在所选择的遗传和生化标志物中,突变型 MTRR A66G 等位基因与全球 DNA 甲基化水平呈正相关。此外,年龄较大与甲基化水平呈负相关。在叶酸充足但维生素 B12 缺乏的情况下(素食者中常见的情况),MTRR 66GG 基因型组比其他基因型组的甲基化程度更高,这表明在这种情况下,G 等位基因可能比野生型等位基因更有效。全球 DNA 甲基化水平似乎更多地受到遗传因素的影响,而不是生化因素。在维生素 B12 缺乏的情况下,MTRR 66G 等位基因可能具有选择性优势。应进一步开展研究,以了解遗传因素如何影响表观遗传过程。