ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Cell Dev. Biol.
Sec. Epigenomics and Epigenetics
Volume 13 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fcell.2025.1647365
This article is part of the Research TopicDecoding Complexity: Genomic, Epigenomic, and Environmental Dynamics in Developmental and Neurogenetic DisordersView all 5 articles
Epigenetic Modifications in Developmental Coordination Disorder: Association Between DNA Methylation and Motor Performance
Provisionally accepted
- 1Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- 2Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Objective: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impaired motor coordination. However, the biological mechanisms underlying DCD remain largely unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of DNA methylation in the pathogenesis of DCD. Methods: Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis was conducted using peripheral blood samples from children with and without DCD. Forty-two key differentially methylated probes (DMPs) were selected for targeted validation using MethylTargetTM sequencing. Results: A total of 416 DMPs were detected. Using the Bumphunter and ProbeLasso algorithms, 48 and 22 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified, respectively. Among the key DMPs, methylation levels at cg18187326 (FAM45A) and cg11968956 (FAM184A) were significantly associated with both total motor and gross motor scores. In addition, cg03597174 (SEZ6) was negatively associated, while cg05986449 (GPD2) was positively associated with gross motor function. Conclusion: These findings provide preliminary evidence that specific DNA methylation alterations may influence early motor development and potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of DCD. DNA methylation markers may serve as novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and targeted intervention in children with DCD.
Keywords: developmental coordination disorder, DNA Methylation, Motor performance, neurodevelopment, epigenetics
Received: 15 Jun 2025; Accepted: 28 Aug 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Huang, Li, You, Su, Peng, Du and Hua. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Jing Hua, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
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