DNA methylation yields epigenetic clues into the diabetic nephropathy of Pima Indians

Environmental factors drive epigenetic programming. DNA methylation is the best studied modification transmitting epigenetic information. A study by Qiu et  al. examined potential epigenetic roots for the decline of renal function in Pima Indians. A genomewide survey of blood leukocytes uncovered differentially methylated DNA sites in regulatory regions of genes associated with chronic kidney disease. This longitudinal study provides the first clues o n epigenetic links between environmental factors and a high prevalence of diabetic kidney disease in Pima Indians.
Source: Kidney International - Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Tags: Commentary Source Type: research