DNA Methylation Alterations in Blood Cells of Toddlers with Down Syndrome

Recent research has provided evidence on genome-wide alterations in DNA methylation patterns due to trisomy 21, which have been detected in various tissues of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) across different developmental stages. Here, we report new data on the systematic genome-wide DNA methylation perturbations in blood cells of individuals with DS from a previously understudied age group-young children. We show that the study findings are highly consistent with those from the prior literature. In addition, utilizing relevant published data from two other developmental stages, neonatal and adult, we track a quasi-longitudinal trend in the DS-associated DNA methylation patterns as a systematic epigenomic destabilization with age.

Automated summary

Recent research has revealed genome-wide alterations in DNA methylation patterns in individuals with Down syndrome, detected in various tissues across different developmental stages. New data on systematic genome-wide DNA methylation perturbations in blood cells of young children with DS are consistent with prior literature. By analyzing data from neonatal and adult stages, a quasi-longitudinal trend in DS-associated DNA methylation patterns as epigenomic destabilization with age is tracked.