B4057 - Epigenetic signatures Association with hormone levels and age - 07/06/2022

B number: 
B4057
Principal applicant name: 
Reinhard Stoger | University of Nottingham (UK)
Co-applicants: 
Philippa Melamed, Maya Sudman, Gillian Bentley
Title of project: 
Epigenetic signatures: Association with hormone levels & and age
Proposal summary: 

Adrenarche is a developmental stage, occurring around ages 6-8 years, during which the adrenal glands produce increasing levels of the steroid hormone DHEAS. The function of this hormone, although extremely abundant in human circulation, is still unclear. Elevated levels of this hormone during this prepubertal stage are associated with earlier pubertal events and susceptibility to developing polycystic ovarian syndrome. Thus, we suspect this hormone has a substantial effect on various physiological systems, including the reproductive axis. Due to its chemical similarity to other steroid hormones, such as estradiol, we suspect it conveys its effect through the induction of epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation. Here, we would like to identify epigenetic modifications that are associated with DHEAS levels, using available data from girls at this developmental transition.

Impact of research: 
hypothesis testing: Is there a DNA methylation signature that reflects adrenarche? The human adrenarche signals the production and release into the general circulation of vastly elevated levels of DHEAS. Although occurring at a crucial stage in childhood development, the precise impact of this steroid on the reproductive axis and other physiological systems is very poorly understood. Identifying the changes in methylation that correlate with the levels of this hormone should indicate some of its targets and allow subsequent studies to establish the function and impact of adrenarche.
Date proposal received: 
Thursday, 21 April, 2022
Date proposal approved: 
Monday, 25 April, 2022
Keywords: 
Bioinformatics, Fertility/infertility