Epigenomic convergence of genetic and immune risk factors in autism brain
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) impact 7% to 14% of all children in developed countries and are one of the leading causes of lifelong disability. Epigenetic modifications are poised at the interface between genes and environment and are predicted to reveal insight into the gene networks, cell types, and developmental timing of NDD etiology. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing was used to examine DNA methylation in 49 human cortex samples from three different NDDs (autism spectrum disorder, Rett syndrome, and Dup15q syndrome) and matched controls. Integration of methylation differences across NDDs with relevant genomic and genetic datasets revealed differentially methylated regions (DMRs) unique to each type of NDD but with shared regulatory functions in neurons and microglia. DMRs were significantly enriched for known NDD genetic risk factors, including both common inherited and rare de novo variants. Weighted region co-methylation network analysis revealed a module related to NDD diagnosis and enriched for microglial regulatory regions. Together, these results demonstrate an epigenomic signature of NDDs in human cortex shared with known genetic and immune etiological risk. Epigenomic insights into cell types and gene regulatory regions will aid in defining therapeutic targets and early biomarkers at the interface of genetic and environmental NDD risk factors.