Deep pedigree analysis reveals family specific ‘‘fingerprint” pattern of DNA methylation for men

DNA methylation plays an essential role in mammalian development [1 ]. However, how DNA methylation is inherited between generations and if there is family-specific DNA methylation pattern remains to be elucidated [2]. In this study, we collect male blood samples including a big pedigree of the descendants of an ancient Chinese empire and samples from different haplogroups to study their whole genome DNA methylation pattern. We find 115 male family-specific methylation sites from three families. The difference of whole genome DNA methylation pattern correlates with the remote divergence time between samples. Overall, we showed a high correlation between the DNA methylation profile and the blood relationship within male family members, but not female family members.