To investigate the genetic influence on X chromosome inactivation and on age-related skewing of X inactivation, in particular, we analysed the X inactivation pattern (XIP) in peripheral blood cells from 118 young monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs (18-53 years), 82 elderly MZ twin pairs (55-94 years), 146 young dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs (20-54 years) and 112 elderly DZ twin pairs (64-95 years). Elderly twins had a higher frequency of skewed X inactivation (34%) than young twins (15%) (P<0.001). Our data suggest that the increase in skewing occurs after age 50-60 years. The intraclass correlation was 0.61 and 0.58 in young and elderly MZ twin pairs, and 0.08 and 0.09 in young and elderly DZ twin pairs. Biometric analysis showed that dominant genetic effects accounted for 63 and 58% of the variance of XIP in the young and elderly twin pairs, respectively. The dominant genetic effect and the shared environment for monochorionic MZ twins may explain the high intraclass correlation for the MZ twin pairs compared to the DZ twin pairs. We did not observe a significant decrease in the intraclass correlation in elderly MZ twins compared to young MZ twins, which would be expected if age-related skewing were due to stochastic factors. We conclude that the increased skewing with age implies that a genetically dependent selection of blood cells take place.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201398 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Twin testosterone transfer hypothesis and the second-to-fourth digit ratio in females of same-sex and opposite-sex twin pairs: An exploratory study.
Physiol Rep
January 2025
Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Disease Control, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
The twin testosterone transfer (TTT) hypothesis posits that females with male co-twins (opposite-sex, OS) might develop male-typical traits due to higher prenatal testosterone exposure. This study explored whether females of OS have lower 2D:4D digit ratios and higher testosterone levels compared to females of same-sex (SS) twin pairs. Conducted in Tamale from January to December 2022, the study included 40 participants aged 18-27 years: 10 males of OS, 10 females of OS, and 20 females of SS twin pairs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMetabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity pose a significant global health burden. Plant-based diets, including vegan diets, are linked to favorable metabolic outcomes, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In a randomized trial involving 21 pairs of identical twins, we investigated the effects of vegan and omnivorous diets on the host metabolome, immune system, and gut microbiome.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF[Distribution characteristics and heritability of alcohol consumption behavior in adult twins in China].
Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi
January 2025
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing100191, China Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing100191, China Peking University Center for Public Health and Epidemic Preparedness & Response, Beijing100191, China.
To describe the distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption in adult twins in the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR), and further explore the influence of genetic factors on alcohol consumption in adult twins. The subjects of the study were twins registered by CNTR in 11 project areas across China from 2010 to 2018. A total of 56 966 twins (28 483 pairs) aged 18 years and above who answered questions about drinking behavior were included, and the random effect model was used to describe the population and regional distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAdverse outcomes in monochorionic twins with amniotic fluid abnormalities without TTTS: A Case-Control study.
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol
January 2025
Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX, United States.
Objective: Monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins with amniotic fluid abnormalities that do not meet criteria for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) concern physicians and families. This study aimed to describe the natural history of amniotic fluid abnormalities.
Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, TTTS screening ultrasounds and clinical records throughout all MCDA twin gestations were reviewed between 2018 and 2022 at a tertiary fetal care center.
Understanding the Etiology of Externalizing Problems in Young Children: The Roles of Callous-Unemotional Traits and Irritability.
J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry
January 2025
Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.
Objective: Callous-unemotional traits (CU), characterized as a lack of guilt and empathy; and irritability, a tendency to show anger and frustration; are 2 risk factors for externalizing behavioral problems. Externalizing problems, CU and irritability are all heritable. However, there is a dearth of studies examining the genetic and environmental associations between the 3 domains.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!