Neurodevelopment is sensitive to genetic and pre/postnatal environmental influences. These effects are likely mediated by epigenetic factors, yet current knowledge is limited. Longitudinal twin studies can delineate the link between genetic and environmental factors, epigenetic state at birth and neurodevelopment later in childhood. Building upon our study of the Peri/postnatal Epigenetic Twin Study (PETS) from gestation to 6 years of age, here we describe the PETS 11-year follow-up in which we will use neuroimaging and cognitive testing to examine the relationship between early-life environment, epigenetics and neurocognitive outcomes in mid-childhood. Using a within-pair twin model, the primary aims are to (1) identify early-life epigenetic correlates of neurocognitive outcomes; (2) determine the developmental stability of epigenetic effects and (3) identify modifiable environmental risk factors. Secondary aims are to identify factors influencing gut microbiota between 6 and 11 years of age to investigate links between gut microbiota and neurodevelopmental outcomes in mid-childhood. Approximately 210 twin pairs will undergo an assessment at 11 years of age. This includes a direct child cognitive assessment, multimodal magnetic resonance imaging, biological sampling, anthropometric measurements and a range of questionnaires on health and development, behavior, dietary habits and sleeping patterns. Data from complementary data sources, including the National Assessment Program — Literacy and Numeracy and the Australian Early Development Census, will also be sought. Following on from our previous focus on relationships between growth, cardiovascular health and oral health, this next phase of PETS will significantly advance our understanding of the environmental interactions that shape the developing brain.

中文翻译：

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表观遗传对 11 岁神经发育的影响：11 岁纵向围产期/产后表观遗传双胞胎研究方案 (PETS@11)

神经发育对遗传和产前/产后环境影响很敏感。这些影响可能是由表观遗传因素介导的，但目前的知识是有限的。纵向双胞胎研究可以描述遗传和环境因素、出生时的表观遗传状态和儿童后期的神经发育之间的联系。基于我们对从妊娠到 6 岁的围产期/产后表观遗传双胞胎研究 (PETS) 的研究，我们在此描述了 PETS 的 11 年随访，其中我们将使用神经影像学和认知测试来检查早期-童年中期的生活环境、表观遗传学和神经认知结果。使用一对内双胞胎模型，主要目标是 (1) 确定神经认知结果的早期表观遗传相关性；(2) 确定表观遗传效应的发育稳定性和 (3) 确定可改变的环境风险因素。次要目标是确定影响 6 至 11 岁之间肠道微生物群的因素，以研究肠道微生物群与儿童中期神经发育结果之间的联系。大约 210 对双胞胎将在 11 岁时接受评估。这包括直接的儿童认知评估、多模式磁共振成像、生物采样、人体测量以及一系列关于健康和发育、行为、饮食习惯和睡眠模式的问卷。还将寻求来自补充数据源的数据，包括国家评估计划——识字和算术以及澳大利亚早期发展人口普查。