Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1/1084
Title: VDR gene methylation as a molecular adaption to light exposure: Historic, recent and genetic influences
Authors: Veysey, Martin ;Beckett, Emma L ;Jones, P.;Duesing, K.;Martin, C.;Furst, J.;Yates, Z.;Jablonski, N.G.;Chaplin, G.;Lucock, M.
Affliation: Central Coast Local Health District
The University of Newcastle
Issue Date: Sep-2017
Source: 29(5)
Journal title: American Journal of Human Biology
Department: Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Public Health
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a member of the nuclear receptor family of transcription factors. We examined whether degree of VDR gene methylation acts as a molecular adaptation to light exposure. We explored this in the context of photoperiod at conception, recent UV irradiance at 305 nm, and gene-latitude effects. METHODS: Eighty subjects were examined for VDR gene-CpG island methylation density. VDR gene variants were also examined by PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: Photoperiod at conception was significantly positively related to VDR methylation density, explaining 17% of the variance in methylation (r2  = 0.17; P = .001). Within this model, photoperiod at conception and plasma 25(OH)D independently predicted methylation density at the VDR-CpG island. Recent UV exposure at 305 nm led to a fivefold increase in mean methylation density (P = .02). Again, UV exposure and plasma 25(OH)D independently predicted methylation density at the VDR-CpG island. In the presence of the BsmI mutant allele, methylation density was increased (P = .01), and in the presence of the TaqI or FokI mutant allele, methylation density was decreased (P = .007 and .04 respectively). Multivariate modelling suggests plasma 25(OH)D, photoperiod at conception, recent solar irradiance, and VDR genotype combine as independent predictors of methylation at the VDR-CpG island, explaining 34% of the variance in methylation (R2  = 0.34, P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Duration of early-life light exposure and strength of recent irradiance, along with latitudinal genetic factors, influence degree of VDR gene methylation consistent with this epigenetic phenomenon being a molecular adaptation to variation in ambient light exposure. Findings contribute to our understanding of human biology.
URI: https://elibrary.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au/cclhdjspui/handle/1/1084
DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23010
Pubmed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28432711
ISSN: 1042-0533
Publicaton type: Journal Article
Keywords: Genes
Appears in Collections:Health Service Research

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