Maternal weight affects placental DNA methylation of genes involved in metabolic pathways in the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus)

• Published in: American journal of primatology 2020-03, Vol.82 (3), p.e23101-n/a
• Main Authors: Narapareddy, Laren, Wildman, Derek E., Armstrong, Don L., Weckle, Amy, Bell, Aleeca F., Patil, Crystal L., Tardif, Suzette D., Ross, Corinna N., Rutherford, Julienne N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Bisulfite; Body Weight - physiology; Callithrix - genetics; Callithrix - metabolism; Deoxyribonucleic acid; developmental programming; DNA; DNA Methylation; Energy metabolism; epigenetics; Female; Gene expression; Gene sequencing; Genes; Genomes; Genomics; Gestation; Glycolysis; Homeostasis; Lipid metabolism; Lipids; Litter Size; Male; maternal metabolism; Maternal weight; Metabolic Networks and Pathways - genetics; Metabolic pathways; Metabolism; non‐human primate; obesity; Placenta; Placenta - metabolism; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome - veterinary; Programming; Weight
• ISSN: 0275-2565; 1098-2345
• DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23101

Accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulation of placental DNA methylation (DNAm) is a mechanism linking maternal weight during pregnancy to metabolic programming outcomes. The common marmoset, Callithrix jaccus, is a platyrrhine primate species that has provided much insight into studies of the primate placenta, maternal condition, and metabolic programming, yet the relationships between maternal weight and placental DNAm are unknown. Here, we report genome‐wide DNAm from term marmoset placentas using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. We identified 74 genes whose DNAm pattern is associated with maternal weight during gestation. These genes are predominantly involved in energy metabolism and homeostasis, including the regulation of glycolytic and lipid metabolic processes pathways. Current model demonstrating the potential role of placental DNA methylation (DNAm) in developmental programming of obesity. Maternal weight influences ovulation number and is related to placental DNAm patterns in gene pathways involved in energy metabolism and homeostasis. Downstream effects of altered DNAm in these pathways likely leads to physiological adaptations in the fetus with consequences for long‐term metabolic health. Research Highlights The placental DNA methylation (DNAm) landscape of the marmoset placenta presents unique differences and similarities with human placental methylation patterns. Maternal weight is associated with placental DNAm in genes that are predominantly involved in energy metabolism and homeostasis. The impact of altered placental DNAm on placental function and development may also contribute to the potential role of placental DNAm in developmental programming in the marmoset monkey.