Maternal One-Carbon Metabolism and Placental Development

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at Columbia University has investigated the role of maternal one-carbon metabolism and placental imprinted gene expression in placental development and somatic growth in a longitudinal birth cohort. The study found that maternal choline status may impact placental and fetal development, with imprinted genes playing potential mechanistic roles. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Lycaki-Young Fund.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to examine the impact of maternal one-carbon nutrition on placental imprinted gene expression, placental development, and infant growth.
  • Women with plasma choline concentrations below the median had lower placental expression of six imprinted genes (EPS15, IGF2R, LINC00657, SGCE, ZC3H12C, and ZNF264) compared to women above the median.
  • The research found that maternal choline status may impact placental and fetal development, with imprinted genes playing potential mechanistic roles.
  • The study utilized a prospective longitudinal cohort study examining developmental effects of prenatal alcohol exposure in Cape Town, South Africa, with 158 participants.
  • Erythrocyte folate, serum vitamin B12, and plasma choline concentrations were assayed at recruitment, and infant weight and height were assessed at age 2 weeks.
  • Placental histopathology exams and placental expression of 109 imprinted genes (Nanostring) were assessed in 65 participants.

Statistics:

  • 158 women were interviewed prenatally about demographics and their alcohol, smoking, and drug use during pregnancy.
  • Women with plasma choline concentrations below the median had lower placental expression of six imprinted genes (EPS15, IGF2R, LINC00657, SGCE, ZC3H12C, and ZNF264) on average (p < 0.05).
  • The study found significant correlations between maternal choline status and placental expression of imprinted genes in 65 participants.

Sources:

  • The Roles of Maternal One-carbon Metabolism and Placental Imprinted Gene Expression In Placental Development and Somatic Growth In a Longitudinal Birth Cohort. Placenta, 2025;167:109-121.
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA
  • Lycaki-Young Fund (State of Michigan)
  • Columbia University, Institute for Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics.