Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Air pollution exposure during pregnancy increases the risk of allergic and respiratory diseases, yet its epigenetic effects across the maternal-fetal interface remain poorly understood. We conducted a pilot study of 10 mother-infant dyads near Fresno, California, to investigate whether prenatal air pollution exposure is associated with differential DNA methylation (DNAm) in maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and infant cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs). Using a custom DNAm array targeting high-value allergy- and asthma-associated loci, we identified 24 CpG sites in maternal PBMCs and 18 in infant CBMCs associated with PM2.5 exposure. Only one CpG site was shared between PBMCs and CBMCs, suggesting largely distinct DNAm responses to PM2.5 in maternal and fetal circulations. Further research is needed to validate these associations and determine their functional implications for immune development and disease risk.
Source: Clinical Epigenetics
Institutions: Harvard University, University of Chicago, Stanford University
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,890
Awards: G4782900398, G8070936538
OpenAlex ID: W4416501483