Longitudinal analysis of IGF1 gene methylation in preterm infants

2024 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K07871
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 52050:Embryonic medicine and pediatrics-related
• Research Institution: Juntendo University
• Principal Investigator: Kantake Masato 順天堂大学, 医学部, 教授 (80327791)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 大川 夏紀 順天堂大学, 医学部, 准教授 (10568009) ; 田中 利隆 順天堂大学, 医学部, 先任准教授 (30407283) ; 中岡 博史 公益財団法人佐々木研究所, 附属研究所, 部長 (70611193)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: IGF1 / DNA methylation / Heart Rate Variability / DOHaD

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Background and Objective：The foundation for future physical development and mental activity is established during the third trimester of pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate how these developmental programs are set in preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation.　Methods：The study analyzed the temporal changes in DNA methylation of the IGF1 gene, which determines body size, using blood samples. Additionally, the progression of autonomic nervous system maturation was assessed through electrocardiographic analysis.　Results：Both analyses indicated that the settings established at birth remained　unchanged, with no significant alterations due to postnatal environmental influences.　Discussion：The findings suggest that infants born before the critical programming period in utero may not undergo the same developmental programming pathways outside the womb. Consequently, their responses to environmental stimuli might be mediated through alternative pathways.

Free Research Field

epigenetics

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

早産SGA児ではIGF1遺伝子のプロモーター活性は継続的に高いことが予想され、将来2型糖尿病のリスクとなるため、慎重なフォローアップが必要である。また将来的な自律神経発達も遅延し、交感神経優位となることが予想される。
これは早産SGA児は将来肥満にならなくても成人病のリスクになることや、表現型がASDやADHD傾向で同じでも早産児であった子の場合は、成熟児であった児よりIQが低く、また抑うつ傾向が強いことなどの臨床的な違いがあることとも合致しており、今後の研究のひとつのテーマとなると考えられた。