B4706 - The role of DNA methylation in predicting the impact of adverse childhood experiences on chronic pain - 01/10/2024

B number: 
B4706
Principal applicant name: 
Hannah Russell | University of Dundee (Scotland)
Co-applicants: 
Prof Tim Hales, Dr Sam Singleton
Title of project: 
The role of DNA methylation in predicting the impact of adverse childhood experiences on chronic pain
Proposal summary: 

Exposure to one or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which include abuse, neglect, and household/external challenges, are known to have a negative impact on health outcomes in later life. One such outcome is chronic pain. The Consortium Against Pain inEquality (CAPE) was established to investigate relationships between ACEs and chronic pain, among other things looking for potential mediators and modifiers.

One avenue that CAPE is exploring is the potential for ACE exposure to affect epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation. This is a process that affects cellular and molecular pathways, and in doing so, may cause vulnerabilities to such outcomes as chronic pain.

Using ALSPAC alongside other population cohorts, we will conduct analyses to investigate the influence of ACE exposure on chronic pain vulnerability, with a focus on the factors that may contribute to such a relationship.

Impact of research: 
The impact of this research would be confirmation, or deeper understanding, of a relationship between ACE exposure and chronic pain vulnerability. Should such a relationship be identified, and the pathways and mechanisms playing a role elucidated, pain diagnoses, management, and treatment options can be further developed. We will establish the utility of estimating epigenetic age acceleration in identifying the vulnerability of those exposed to ACEs to chronic pain.
Date proposal received: 
Thursday, 26 September, 2024
Date proposal approved: 
Tuesday, 1 October, 2024
Keywords: 
Epidemiology, Pain, Statistical methods, Ageing, Childhood - childcare, childhood adversity, Epigenetics