Comprehensive analysis of DNA methylation patterns in recurrent miscarriage: imprinted/non-imprinted genes and their regulation across sperm and fetal-maternal tissues.

BACKGROUND

Epigenetic regulation, including DNA methylation, is essential for normal embryonic development and maternal-fetal interactions. Recurrent miscarriage (RM), defined as the loss of two or more consecutive pregnancies, poses significant clinical and emotional challenges. However, the role of epigenetic alterations in RM, particularly in gametes and placental tissues, remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate global DNA methylation profiles and imprinting gene expression in the context of RM, providing insights into epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to pregnancy failure.

METHODS

Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling was performed on sperm and chorionic villi from RM patients and control couples undergoing artificial abortion using the Illumina HumanMethylation 450 BeadChip platform. Genes related to differentially methylated probes (DMPs) in functionally critical genomic regions, including enhancers, promoters, and DNase hypersensitive sites (DHS), were identified and submitted to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Key imprinting genes (CPA4 and PRDM16) were validated at the protein level using Western blotting.

RESULTS

RM samples exhibited a significant increase in hypermethylated DMPs across all analyzed tissues, with villi and decidua showing the highest numbers of epigenetic changes. Enrichment analyses highlighted pathways implicated in tissue morphogenesis, immune regulation, and cell signaling, including the PI3K-Akt, TGF-beta, and Wnt signaling pathways. Among imprinting genes, CPA4 and PRDM16 showed distinct hypomethylation at enhancer regions, corresponding to elevated protein expression in RM villi tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies profound epigenetic dysregulation in RM-associated tissues, emphasizing the contribution of imprinting gene methylation abnormalities to pregnancy loss. Future studies incorporating functional assays and animal models are essential to elucidate the causal roles of candidate genes in RM pathogenesis and maternal-fetal health.