Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Your DNA Could Reveal If You Had A 'Vanishing Twin' In The Womb, With A Simple Test

<span>Pregnancy</span> an extraordinary process, and for some, it begins as a twin pregnancy that they may never even know. Research says that one in eight individuals enter the world as a twin, but in a lot of these instances, one of the babies does not make it to term. Research published in the journal Human Reproduction shows that early ultrasound research indicates <span>vanishing twin syndrome</span> in about 12% of pregnancies. This process, referred to as vanishing twin syndrome (VTS), is when one twin fails to develop and is digested by the remaining embryo and parent. Though the deceased twin does not leave any visible impression, recent studies indicate that their existence may be traced in the DNA of the remaining sibling.

A recent study by Jenny van Dongen at VU Amsterdam in the Netherlands has revealed distinct epigenetic modifications in the DNA of <span>identical twins</span>. Epigenetics is a process of chemical modifications that control gene expression without changing the sequence of the DNA itself, for example, <span>DNA methylation</span>, in which methyl groups bind to genes to turn them on or off. For instance, during early development of the embryo, epigenetic modifications cause cells to give rise to a variety of different tissues and organs. DNA methylation, whereby methyl groups become bound to genes to essentially activate or deactivate them, is the most researched of all epigenetic modifications. 

During pregnancy at an early stage, many <span>epigenetic changes</span> occur when the embryo coordinates different cells into a variety of the body's diverse tissues and organs. Identical twins, which develop from a single fertilized egg that eventually divides, share a unique DNA methylation pattern that differentiates them from fraternal twins and non-twins as well. The scientists found that the pattern covers 834 genes, proposing a possible way to identify whether an individual was originally part of an identical twin pair.

<h2>How DNA Can Reveal a Vanishing Twin?</h2>

The research, published in Nature Communications, compared DNA methylation data from more than 6,000 people, including identical twins, fraternal twins, and non-twin relatives. The results indicated that the epigenetic markers remain present in adulthood, so a cheek swab test might one day be able to tell whether or not a person had a missing twin.

Based on this information, researchers created a computer program that can recognize people who were once part of an identical twin set. Although the study did not test specifically if the program could detect people who had a vanishing twin, data indicate that the test could be possible in the future.

Vanishing twin syndrome happens in about 12% of pregnancies, though less than 2% of twin pregnancies give birth to both twins. The cause of VTS is multifaceted and not yet fully understood, as shown in research published in the International Journal of Fertility and Sterility.

Chromosomal abnormalities or genetic mutations within the vanishing twin in a few instances stop it from properly developing. The genetic abnormalities have occurred at the time of conception and cannot be prevented or regulated. The other twin absorbs the tissue of the deceased twin, and the operation is usually non-harmful to the in-utero embryo.

<h2>Why Do Identical Twins Form in the First Place?</h2>

While it is known that a fertilized egg sometimes splits to create identical twins, the underlying reasons remain a mystery. Unlike fraternal twins, whose likelihood is influenced by genetics, identical twins appear to occur randomly. Identical twinning happens at a consistent rate worldwide, approximately three to four times per 1,000 births, suggesting that factors other than genetics may play a role.

Researchers believe that epigenetic changes may be at play. Because DNA methylation is important in early embryonic development, some epigenetic alterations may determine whether an embryo divides to create identical twins. But more research is required to establish whether these epigenetic signatures are a cause, consequence, or side effect of twinning.

In order to gain more insight into identical twinning and vanishing twin syndrome, researchers intend to perform functional studies in human cells and animal models. By studying the role of epigenetic changes in embryonic development, scientists hope to determine the exact mechanisms that result in the creation of identical twins.

Moreover, scientists can broaden their research to investigate a wider variety of epigenetic changes beyond the 834 genes that have been discovered to date. As DNA methylation is only one component of epigenetic control, studying other chemical alterations may yield more insights into early embryonic development.

<h2>Emotional and Clinical Impact of Vanishing Twin Syndrome</h2>

In parents with vanishing twin syndrome, the emotional implications may be strong. While VTS cannot be prevented or treated, clinical and emotional help is important in coping with grief and enduring pregnancy.

As defined by the Cleveland Clinic, VTS is typically diagnosed by ultrasound, when an earlier visible embryo cannot be seen. Parents tend to experience a blend of emotions, weighing the excitement of a progressing pregnancy against the loss of the missing twin. Knowledge of the biological reasons behind VTS can assist in giving closure and assistance to families plagued by this condition.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

pregnancy

vanishing twin syndrome

twin dna test

identical twins

pregnancy loss

epigenetic changes

dna methylation

fetal development

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Pregnancy an extraordinary process, and for some, it begins as a twin pregnancy that they may never even know. Research says that one in eight individuals enter the world as a twin, but in a lot of these instances, one of the babies does not make it to term. Research published in the journal Human Reproduction shows that early ultrasound research indicates vanishing twin syndrome in about 12% of pregnancies. This process, referred to as vanishing twin syndrome (VTS), is when one twin fails to develop and is digested by the remaining embryo and parent. Though the deceased twin does not leave any visible impression, recent studies indicate that their existence may be traced in the DNA of the remaining sibling.A recent study by Jenny van Dongen at VU Amsterdam in the Netherlands has revealed distinct epigenetic modifications in the DNA of identical twins. Epigenetics is a process of chemical modifications that control gene expression without changing the sequence of the DNA itself, for example, DNA methylation, in which methyl groups bind to genes to turn them on or off. For instance, during early development of the embryo, epigenetic modifications cause cells to give rise to a variety of different tissues and organs. DNA methylation, whereby methyl groups become bound to genes to essentially activate or deactivate them, is the most researched of all epigenetic modifications. During pregnancy at an early stage, many epigenetic changes occur when the embryo coordinates different cells into a variety of the body's diverse tissues and organs. Identical twins, which develop from a single fertilized egg that eventually divides, share a unique DNA methylation pattern that differentiates them from fraternal twins and non-twins as well. The scientists found that the pattern covers 834 genes, proposing a possible way to identify whether an individual was originally part of an identical twin pair.How DNA Can Reveal a Vanishing Twin?The research, published in Nature Communications, compared DNA methylation data from more than 6,000 people, including identical twins, fraternal twins, and non-twin relatives. The results indicated that the epigenetic markers remain present in adulthood, so a cheek swab test might one day be able to tell whether or not a person had a missing twin.Based on this information, researchers created a computer program that can recognize people who were once part of an identical twin set. Although the study did not test specifically if the program could detect people who had a vanishing twin, data indicate that the test could be possible in the future.Vanishing twin syndrome happens in about 12% of pregnancies, though less than 2% of twin pregnancies give birth to both twins. The cause of VTS is multifaceted and not yet fully understood, as shown in research published in the International Journal of Fertility and Sterility.Chromosomal abnormalities or genetic mutations within the vanishing twin in a few instances stop it from properly developing. The genetic abnormalities have occurred at the time of conception and cannot be prevented or regulated. The other twin absorbs the tissue of the deceased twin, and the operation is usually non-harmful to the in-utero embryo.Why Do Identical Twins Form in the First Place?While it is known that a fertilized egg sometimes splits to create identical twins, the underlying reasons remain a mystery. Unlike fraternal twins, whose likelihood is influenced by genetics, identical twins appear to occur randomly. Identical twinning happens at a consistent rate worldwide, approximately three to four times per 1,000 births, suggesting that factors other than genetics may play a role.Researchers believe that epigenetic changes may be at play. Because DNA methylation is important in early embryonic development, some epigenetic alterations may determine whether an embryo divides to create identical twins. But more research is required to establish whether these epigenetic signatures are a cause, consequence, or side effect of twinning.In order to gain more insight into identical twinning and vanishing twin syndrome, researchers intend to perform functional studies in human cells and animal models. By studying the role of epigenetic changes in embryonic development, scientists hope to determine the exact mechanisms that result in the creation of identical twins.Moreover, scientists can broaden their research to investigate a wider variety of epigenetic changes beyond the 834 genes that have been discovered to date. As DNA methylation is only one component of epigenetic control, studying other chemical alterations may yield more insights into early embryonic development.Emotional and Clinical Impact of Vanishing Twin SyndromeIn parents with vanishing twin syndrome, the emotional implications may be strong. While VTS cannot be prevented or treated, clinical and emotional help is important in coping with grief and enduring pregnancy.As defined by the Cleveland Clinic, VTS is typically diagnosed by ultrasound, when an earlier visible embryo cannot be seen. Parents tend to experience a blend of emotions, weighing the excitement of a progressing pregnancy against the loss of the missing twin. Knowledge of the biological reasons behind VTS can assist in giving closure and assistance to families plagued by this condition.