Abstract
Epigenetic processes have been implicated in addiction; yet, it remains unclear whether these represent a risk factor and/or a consequence of substance use. Here, we conducted the first genome-wide, longitudinal study to investigate whether DNA methylation patterns in early life prospectively associate with substance use in adolescence. The sample comprised of 244 youth (51% female) from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), with repeated assessments of DNA methylation (Illumina 450k array; cord blood at birth, whole blood at age 7) and substance use (tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use; age 14-18). We found that, at birth, epigenetic variation across a tightly interconnected genetic network (n = 65 loci; q
Original language | English |
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Article number | 3976 |
Journal | Translational Psychiatry |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 6 Dec 2016 |
Bibliographical note
M1 - e976Keywords
- DNA methylation
- epigenome-wide
- prenatal exposure
- tobacco
- mediation