University of Bristol

Academic Institute

Rebecca RichmondDr Matthew SudermanProf George Davey SmithProf Caroline ReltonDr Paul YousefiMr George Richenberg

B3868

Cytosine modifications to DNA (such as DNA methylation) have been found to display temporal rhythms. This temporal dimension of epigenetics, coined “chrono-epigenetics”, may have been previously overlooked. In particular, the timing of sample collection may introduce randomness into epigenetic data and may serve as a potentially important correction factor in epigenetic studies. Furthermore, the oscillating nature of cytosines has been suggested to underlie biological rhythmicity, ageing processes and the development of complex diseases such as cancer.

Identification of oscillating DNA methylation signals may provide insights into biological rhythmicity, ageing processes and the development of complex diseases. In addition, the use of oscillating DNA methylation sites for predicting the time of sample collection could be particularly useful where this information has not been recorded, and any discordance between predicted and actual collection time of the samples could indicate temporal or circadian misalignment of the participants.

16/09/2021