Atopic eczema is a complex trait caused by the interaction of multiple genetic and environmental factors. DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification involved in gene regulation that is also influenced by genes and the environment. We aimed to determine if methylation patterns are associated with an eczema diagnosis in a population-based cohort. Blood-based genome-wide DNA methylation data were obtained for 1341 individuals from the Generation Scotland cohort, a family-structured, population-based cohort of 20,000 individuals aged 18-99 years from across Scotland, UK. Methylation status was assessed at 773,658 sites using the Illumina EPIC array. Eczema diagnosis was ascertained via linkage to electronic health records and data were available for 220 eczema cases and 1121 controls. An epigenome-wide association model was conducted using linear regression adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, atopic comorbidities and technical covariates. It revealed nominally significant associations (p<1×10-5) between methylation at 19 CpG sites and an eczema diagnosis. Thirteen CpG sites were located in protein-coding genes involved in inflammation and aspects of tissue architecture, 9 of which had been associated with eczema or other atopic comorbidities in independent EWAS and GWAS studies. Six CpG sites were found in non-coding regions that may be involved in gene regulation, including one CpG site within the MHC Class I locus. These results suggest a specific DNA methylation pattern is associated with atopic eczema, but further work is needed to assess whether this is the cause or the consequence of atopic skin inflammation.

ESDR275 - Identification of DNA methylation signatures associated with atopic eczema

The scientific meeting of the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR) is held yearly, usually in September. With an international attendance of more than 1000 skin scientists from around the globe, the four-day event includes short oral presentations from peer-reviewed abstracts, keynote lectures from international experts, sponsored symposia, satellite programs, educational events as well as an important focus on posters, networking and building collaborations amongst scientists. For more information about this year’s meeting visit our website.