Altered DNA methylation and transcription of WNT2 and DKK1 genes in placentas associated with early-onset preeclampsia

The purpose of this study was to characterize the changes in DNA methylation and transcription of WNT2 and DKK1 genes in placentas associated with early-onset preeclampsia. The study includes three groups: patients with early-onset preeclampsia, normotensive preterm and term births. Placental tissues were collected and pyrosequencing was performed on DKK1 and WNT2 proximal promoters. Transcriptional levels of DKK1 and WNT2 genes were determined with real-time PCR. DKK1 gene methylation levels were lower in placentas associated with early-onset preeclampsia compared to those associated with preterm birth (P