Epigenetic Influences on Neurodevelopment at 11 Years of Age: Protocol for the Longitudinal Peri/Postnatal Epigenetic Twins Study at 11 Years of Age (PETS@11)

Epigenetic Influences on Neurodevelopment at 11 Years of Age: Protocol for the Longitudinal Peri/Postnatal Epigenetic Twins Study at 11 Years of Age (PETS@11)

Neurodevelopment is sensitive to genetic and pre/postnatal environmental influences. These effects are likely mediated by epigenetic factors, yet current knowledge is limited. Longitudinal twin studies can delineate the link between genetic and environmental factors, epigenetic state at birth and ne...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Twin research and human genetics Vol. 22; no. 6; pp. 446 - 453
Main Authors: Leong, Pamela, Loke, Yuk Jing, Saffery, Richard, Silk, Tim, Burnett, Alice, Josev, Elisha, Scurrah, Katrina, Theda, Christiane, Czajko, Anna, Pua, Emmanuel Pk, Seal, Marc L, Craig, Jeffrey M
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: England Cambridge University Press 01-12-2019
Subjects:
Age
Biological sampling
Biomarkers
Births
Brain research
Childbirth & labor
Children
Cognition
Cognitive ability
Consent
Data collection
Dental plaque
DNA methylation
Environmental factors
Epigenetics
Families & family life
Feces
Influence
Intestinal microflora
Magnetic resonance imaging
Microbiota
Neurodevelopment
Neuroimaging
Obstetrics
Oral hygiene
Questionnaires
Risk factors
Sociodemographics
Twins
Ultrasonic imaging
postnatal
twins
neurodevelopment
prenatal
adolescence
longitudinal
epigenetics
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Summary:Neurodevelopment is sensitive to genetic and pre/postnatal environmental influences. These effects are likely mediated by epigenetic factors, yet current knowledge is limited. Longitudinal twin studies can delineate the link between genetic and environmental factors, epigenetic state at birth and neurodevelopment later in childhood. Building upon our study of the Peri/postnatal Epigenetic Twin Study (PETS) from gestation to 6 years of age, here we describe the PETS 11-year follow-up in which we will use neuroimaging and cognitive testing to examine the relationship between early-life environment, epigenetics and neurocognitive outcomes in mid-childhood. Using a within-pair twin model, the primary aims are to (1) identify early-life epigenetic correlates of neurocognitive outcomes; (2) determine the developmental stability of epigenetic effects and (3) identify modifiable environmental risk factors. Secondary aims are to identify factors influencing gut microbiota between 6 and 11 years of age to investigate links between gut microbiota and neurodevelopmental outcomes in mid-childhood. Approximately 210 twin pairs will undergo an assessment at 11 years of age. This includes a direct child cognitive assessment, multimodal magnetic resonance imaging, biological sampling, anthropometric measurements and a range of questionnaires on health and development, behavior, dietary habits and sleeping patterns. Data from complementary data sources, including the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy and the Australian Early Development Census, will also be sought. Following on from our previous focus on relationships between growth, cardiovascular health and oral health, this next phase of PETS will significantly advance our understanding of the environmental interactions that shape the developing brain.
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ISSN:1832-4274
1839-2628
DOI:10.1017/thg.2019.120