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Page : 0 pages
File Size : 14,33 MB
Release : 2022
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ISBN : 9789083246819
The PhD thesis Genetics and epigenetics of early life development by Veronika Odintsova (VU, Amsterdam) concerns traits and exposures associated with early life development. It contains a series of studies that have as a background the role of nature and nurture in human development. In these studies, the author used contemporary genetic epidemiological methods and the latest molecular biology advances, and applied these to early life traits in two large cohorts in the Netherlands and UK—the Netherlands Twin Register (NTR) and the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). The NTR samples comprises twins, which is a valuable resource in research on early life development and biomarkers, because the twin design allows one evaluate genetic and environmental influences on the phenotypes of interest. Studying early life outcomes and traits, such as a newborn state at birth assessed with Apgar scores (i.e., scores based on newborn appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration) or handedness, the author found a very small contribution of genetic influences to those traits, and hypothesized that epigenetic modifications could play a role. Most epigenetic programming is thought to take place within the first 1000 days of life. Epigenetic mechanisms are mechanisms that influence gene expression throughout the lifespan. Some epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, which are attributable to early life factors and exposures, can persist throughout childhood and into adulthood. This thesis focused on DNA methylation, as a source of variation, in addition to the genetic and environmental sources. It focused, inter alia, on epigenetic differences related to early life exposures – prenatal maternal smoking and breastfeeding – and complex traits – birth weight, BMI, left-handedness, and aggression.