Identifying DNA methylation patterns associated with Multiple Sclerosis
Principal Investigator
Name
Rodney Lea
Degrees
BSc, BHSc (Hons), PhD
Institution
The University of Newcastle
Position Title
Conjoint Associate Professor
Email
About this CDAS Project
Study
PLCO
(Learn more about this study)
Project ID
PLCO-802
Initial CDAS Request Approval
Jul 2, 2021
Title
Identifying DNA methylation patterns associated with Multiple Sclerosis
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex and multifaceted disease underpinned by autoimmunity-driven neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. MS affects almost three million people globally, making it the leading cause of neurological disability in young people. Around 75% of people with MS are women; typically diagnosed in their prime reproductive years (20-40 years old).
MS onset and progression is influenced by the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Epigenetics mechanisms are heritable yet modifiable molecular mechanisms that can mediate gene-environment interactions in relation to MS. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression through the presence or absence of a CH3 (methyl) group on cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) dinucleotides.
The role of methylation in MS is only beginning to be understood. Our group is leading the way in this field. Identification of epigenetic factors related to MS onset and progression has the potential to better understand aetiology as well as diagnose and treat this severe disease.
MS onset and progression is influenced by the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Epigenetics mechanisms are heritable yet modifiable molecular mechanisms that can mediate gene-environment interactions in relation to MS. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression through the presence or absence of a CH3 (methyl) group on cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) dinucleotides.
The role of methylation in MS is only beginning to be understood. Our group is leading the way in this field. Identification of epigenetic factors related to MS onset and progression has the potential to better understand aetiology as well as diagnose and treat this severe disease.
Aims
The study aims to compare genome-wide DNA methylation patterns between cohorts of MS patients and non-MS (healthy) controls to identify differentially methylated regions associated with disease.
Collaborators
Maria Campagna - Monash University
Alexandre Xavier - The University of Newcastle
Rodney Scott - The University of Newcastle
Helmut Butzkueven - Monash University
Jeanette Lechner-Scott - The University of Newcastle
Vilija Jokubaitis - Monash University