Associations between blood leukocyte DNA methylation and sustained attention in mid-to-late childhood

Epigenomics. 2023 Oct;15(19):965-981. doi: 10.2217/epi-2023-0169. Epub 2023 Nov 9.

Abstract

Aims: To identify associations between DNA methylation (DNAm) across the epigenome and symptoms related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in a population of Hispanic children. Materials & methods: Among 517 participants in the ELEMENT study aged 9-18 years, we conducted an epigenome-wide association study examining associations between blood leukocyte DNAm and performance on the Conners' continuous performance test (CPT3). Results: DNAm at loci in or near ZNF814, ELF4 and OR6K6 and functional enrichment for gene pathways pertaining to ferroptosis, inflammation, immune response and neurotransmission were significantly related to CPT3 scores. Conclusion: DNAm was associated with CPT3 performance. Further analysis is warranted to understand how these genes and enriched pathways contribute to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Keywords: DNA methylation; adolescent health; child health; epigenetic epidemiology; epigenetics; neurobehavior; neurodevelopment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Attention
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / genetics
  • Child
  • DNA Methylation*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Epigenome
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Humans