Deciphering the role of epigenetics in self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aetiology of self-limited epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes (SECTS) remains controversial and a strong genetic basis has long been presumed. The discordant monozygotic twin (MZ) model controls for shared genetic and environmental factors, enabling focus on the potential role of the non-shared environment. METHODS: DNA methylation data was acquired from DNA extracted from three discordant MZ twin pairs, from both new born blood spots before epilepsy onset, and blood samples taken after epilepsy onset. An epigenome-wide analysis was performed, using the Illumina Infinium EPIC array. Differentially methylated regions (DMR) were identified using the bumphunter package in R. Com..