Blood Lead Levels and Aberrant DNA Methylation of the ALAD and P16 Gene Promoters in Children Exposed to Environmental Lead, 2020, Yohannes, et al.

[Webdog]

I found it interesting that the affected genes in the study (ALAD and p16) are involved in red blood cell development and some cancers.

Lead poisoning could reduce gene expression in humans
Scientists have unveiled a correlation between high blood lead levels in children and methylation of genes involved in haem synthesis and carcinogenesis, indicating a previously unknown mechanism for lead poisoning.
https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/blog/lead-poisoning-could-reduce-gene-expression-in-humans/

Increased blood lead levels correlated positively with aberrant, increased methylation of DNA responsible for the expression of genes. The genes affected were ALAD, which synthesizes a key compound in the development of red blood cells; and p16, a tumour suppressor gene, which is frequently inactivated in different types of cancer.

Original study:
Yared B. Yohannes, et al. Blood Lead Levels and Aberrant DNA Methylation of the ALAD and P16 Gene Promoters in Children Exposed to Environmental-Lead. Environmental Research.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.109759
June 05, 2020.
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109759.