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2mo ago

Pilot Saliva Test Aims to Detect Child Abuse Through DNA Methylation

Researchers have gathered saliva from 40 children in a pilot study with DNA methylation analysis due early next year

Investigadores de la UBA buscan detectar maltrato infantil mediante muestras de saliva
maltrato infantil. Foto ilustración Shutterstock.
El método analiza cambios epigenéticos, que alteran la expresión de los genes sin modificar su secuencia
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Overview

  • The study splits 40 participants into abused and control groups to pinpoint epigenetic differences linked to maltreatment
  • DNA methylation patterns in saliva are being developed as biomarkers to supply scientifically admissible proof in clinical and legal settings
  • A multidisciplinary team led by Eduardo Cánepa brings together UBA’s Institute of Biological Chemistry and Hospital Elizalde’s Family Violence Unit
  • High costs and the need to send samples overseas for specialized processing are key logistical hurdles for the project
  • Tailoring the test to Argentina’s population is essential because epigenetic responses vary by geographic and cultural context