Development of a prediction model for the phenotype of preterm infants based on epigenetic memory.

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K16916
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 52050:Embryonic medicine and pediatrics-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Kashima Kohei 東京大学, 医学部附属病院, 講師 (10869077)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: DNAメチル化 / 早産児 / エピゲノム記憶 / 炎症

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The objective of this study was to elucidate whether fetal epigenetic alteration predict the baby's traits among preterm infants by analyzing the association between fetal epigenetic alterations, gene expressions, and the baby's chronic traits. The coronavirus pandemic restricted the course of this study, and subsequently I was obliged to modify the goal. I published the results of "Identification of epigenetic memory candidates associated with gestational age at birth through analysis of methylome and transcriptional data". In addition, I found the epigenetic alterations associated with inflammation of placenta, by collaborationg with co-researchers. Now, I am preparing for submission of the results.

Free Research Field

新生児医学, 小児科学, DNAメチル化

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

我が国の低出生体重児の出生率は10％に上り先進国の中でも一位である。新生児医療の進歩により低出生体重児の救命率が飛躍的に向上しているが、一方でこれらのハイリスク児は成人期に生活習慣病、骨粗鬆症、精神疾患をはじめとする慢性疾患に罹患しやすく、周産期の悪環境曝露により疾病体質が形成されるのではないかと言われている(DOHaD: Developmental Origin of Health and Diseases)。DOHaDの中で重要と想定されているのが、DNAメチル化などエピジェネティクスである。年々、早産児の長期フォローの重要性は高まっており、本成果は早産児の健康計画勘案に貢献すると考える。