DNA methylation dynamics of long noncoding RNA during human fetal development

• Published in: Epigenomics 2021-09, Vol.13 (17), p.1347-1358
• Main Authors: Li, Xin, Fu, Yuanyuan, Gao, Yue, Shang, Shipeng, Guo, Shuang, Zhou, Hanxiao, Qu, Shuqiang, Ning, Shangwei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: DNA Methylation; dynamic; Epigenome; fetal development; Fetal Development - genetics; Humans; lncRNA; Organ Specificity; Promoter Regions, Genetic - genetics; RNA, Long Noncoding - genetics; specific; Transcriptome
• ISSN: 1750-1911; 1750-192X
• DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0159

To determine whether the promoters of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) undergo dynamic changes in DNA methylation during fetal development. ANOVA and the tissue specificity index were used to identify and validate tissue-specific methylation sites. Age-associated DNA methylation signatures were identified by applying the elastic net method. The lncRNA methylome landscape was characterized in four types of fetal tissue and at three gestational time points, and specific characteristics relative to the tissue of origin and developmental age were identified. Higher levels of lncRNA methylation might be involved in tissue differentiation. LncRNAs harboring age-associated methylation signatures may participate in the fetal developmental process. This study provides novel insights into the role of lncRNA methylomes in fetal tissue specification and development. The addition of a methyl group to DNA is known as DNA methylation and has a large impact on early embryonic development. The role of specific DNA methylation sites located in the promoter region of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) during human fetal development is not fully understood. The DNA methylation of lncRNA promoters was investigated in four types of tissue and at three gestational time points. They display tissue-specific characteristics that change over time. Tissue-specific methylation sites have higher levels of methylation, suggesting they might play a role in tissue differentiation. The lncRNAs that show loss or gain of methylation over time may participate in the fetal developmental process. This study describes the DNA methylation status of lncRNA promoters and elucidates their potential role in fetal development.