DNA Methylation DNA methylation involves the addition of a methyl group to the DNA molecule, usually at cytosine bases. This modification typically acts to repress gene transcription. Aberrant DNA methylation patterns are linked to several neonatal disorders, including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and congenital heart defects.
Histone Modification Histone proteins help package DNA into chromatin. Chemical modifications to these proteins, such as acetylation and methylation, can either enhance or repress gene expression. Disruptions in histone modification have been associated with neonatal conditions such as neonatal encephalopathy and neonatal sepsis.
Non-Coding RNA Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Alterations in the expression of non-coding RNAs can contribute to neonatal disorders like bronchopulmonary dysplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.
