Methylation and expression of WNT2, PPARγ and HERVWE1 and the association with intra-uterine growth restriction

Leeuwerke, M. (2013) Methylation and expression of WNT2, PPARγ and HERVWE1 and the association with intra-uterine growth restriction. thesis, Medicine.

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Abstract

Introduction: Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with perinatal morbidity and mortality. It can lead to adverse health outcomes on short term, but there is also a link between low birth weight and adverse long term health outcomes. Improper placental function is the most important causes for IUGR. DNA disruption of DNA methylation levels can influence gene expression and can lead to pregnancy diseases like IUGR. WNT2, PPAR and HERVWE1 are all genes that are important for the function of the placenta and therefore for intra-uterine growth. Aims: We examined the association between the methylation and expression levels of WNT2, PPAR and HERVWE1 and IUGR. We wanted to find out whether changes in methylation and/or expression levels are present in the early placenta. Materials and methods: For this retrospective case control study we used first trimester placenta material recruited from chorionic villous biopsies (CVB) which were taken from January 2004 until March 2009 at the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG). 35 IUGR children were selected and these were matched to 70 controls based on their gestational age at CVB. DNA and RNA were isolated. Methylation levels were analyzed by pyrosequencing and mRNA levels were analyzed by Real-Time PCR. Results: For the first two CG positions of WNT2 we found a significant difference between the cases and the controls. However, we didn’t find any differences in gene expression for this gene. For PPAR and HERVWE1 we didn’t find any differences in methylation and/or expression levels. Conclusion: Overall we don’t see big differences in methylation and expression levels between IUGR children and children with a normal birth weight. Though, for WNT2 we did find two positions that were significantly differently methylated and maybe these positions have an important function in the promoter region that can by biologically relevant.

Item Type:	Thesis (Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Erwich, Dr. J.J.H.M. and Eijsink, Dr. J.J.H.
Faculty:	Medical Sciences
Date Deposited:	25 Jun 2020 10:44
Last Modified:	25 Jun 2020 10:44
URI:	https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/596

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