Abstrakt

Gene-Specific DNA Methylation in White Blood Cells: Association with Blood Cellular Heterogeneity

Matatiele PR

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant difference in methylation levels between whole blood and CD4+ T cells. Methods: A panel of twelve (12) genes selected on the basis of their involvement in inflammation, autoimmunity and/or fibrosis was analyzed for methylation in whole blood and CD4+ T cells using EpiTect Methyl PCR Arrays technology. Results and conclusion: Even though the methylation levels remain the same in both CD4+ T cells and whole blood, methylation is significantly elevated in whole blood, implying presence of methylated status of these genes in cells other than CD4+ T cells.