Epigenetic regulation in umbilical cord blood cells

Study Objective

The aim of the study is (1) to understand whether DNA methylation levels of immune response genes are subjected to changes after birth, (2) to determine whether the interindividual variability observed in CD8+ cells is already present at birth or evolves later in life, and (3) to examine the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) promoter, genes regulating the GR or being regulated by the GR, to see if the previously observed adult variability is present at birth.
Therefore, cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 8 to 12-year old children will be separated into 6 subpopulations (CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, monocytes, B cells, NK cells and hematopoietic stem cells). DNA extracted from these cell types will be bisulfite-treated and sequenced to determine promoter methylation levels. As a control group, DNA methylation of the above genes will be investigated in PBMCs from the mothers.
In addition, mRNA expression levels of the above genes will be investigated in total CBMCs and maternal PBMCs using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to analyze the relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression. This study is a follow-up of the “Perinatal programming in the immune system” research project funded by the CRP-Santé.

Participation conditions

All eligible donors (pregnant women and their children from8 to 12 years) will be asked to participate, except for those with the following exclusion criteria: donors with current or past diagnosis of autoimmune disease or cancer.

Clinique Privée Dr.E. Bohler