Psychological Science · 9 authors, 5 centres
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This preregistered cohort study of 1,183 children and adolescents found that socioeconomic disadvantage and marginalized racial/ethnic identity were associated with specific salivary DNA methylation profiles indicative of higher inflammation, faster aging, and lower cognitive function in adults. These methylation profiles were also significantly associated with the children's performance on cognitive and academic tests.
This preregistered cohort study analyzed salivary DNA methylation data from 1,183 children and adolescents (mean age 13.6 years) to investigate links between social inequality and molecular signatures. The study examined three methylation composite scores: DNAm-CRP (inflammation), Epigenetic-g (cognitive function), and DunedinPoAm (pace of aging). Results showed that children from more socioeconomically disadvantaged families/neighborhoods and from marginalized racial/ethnic groups exhibited methylation profiles associated with higher chronic inflammation, lower cognitive functioning, and faster biological aging. These methylation profiles were significantly associated with performance on in-laboratory tests of processing speed, executive function, reasoning, verbal comprehension, reading, and math, with Epigenetic-g explaining 11.1% of the variation in math performance. The study notes that salivary DNA methylation was measured, which may differ from blood-derived profiles, and that socioeconomic indicators capture limited aspects of racism. The findings suggest these methylation profiles may serve as biomarkers for social inequality and cognitive risk in childhood.
