Online tools

Developmental Risk Atlas (DeMetRA)

DeMetRA is a searchable tool that maps existing methylation profile scores (MPSs) used in pediatric research. It helps researchers quickly see which scores exist, how they were developed, and where they have been applied.

With DeMetRA, you can:

  • browse published MPSs by phenotype, tissue, age group, or array,

  • view key study characteristics (sample size, population, validation strategy, etc.), and

  • identify gaps, overlaps, and opportunities for replication or new applications.

DeMetRA provides a transparent overview of the current evidence base to support better design, interpretation, and reuse of MPSs in child and adolescent research.

Schuurmans, I.K., Defina, S., Hermans, A. P. C., Neumann, A., Suderman, M., Yousefi, P. D., … & Cecil, C. (2025). Methylation profile scores in early life: a systematic review and developmental risk atlas. Available at SSRN 5852502. http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5852502

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Scripts and code

Click for GitHub and code

Schuurmans, I. K., Dunn, E. C., Lussier, A. A. (2024). DNA methylation as a possible causal mechanism linking childhood adversity and health: Results from two-sample mendelian randomization study. American Journal of Epidemiology.  https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwae072

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Schuurmans, I. K., Ghanbari, M., Cecil, C. A., Ikram, M. A., & Luik, A. I. (2023). Plasma neurofilament light chain in association to late‐life depression in the general population. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. https://doi.org/10.1111/pcn.13608

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Schuurmans, I. K., Zou, R., Lamballais, S., Cecil, C. A. M., Hillegers, M. H. J., Ikram, M. A., Luik, A. I. (2023). 10-year trajectories of depressive symptoms and subsequent brain health in middle-aged adults. Journal of Psychiatric Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.12.018

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Schuurmans, I. K., Hoepel, S. J. W., Cecil, C. A. M., Hillegers, M. H. J., Ikram, M. A., Luik, A. I. (2023). The associations of life stress with brain and cognitive reserve in middle-aged women. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-220923

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Schuurmans, I. K., Luik, A. I., De Maat, D. A., Hillegers, M. H. J., Ikram, M. A., Cecil, C. A. M. (2022). The association of early life stress with IQ-achievement discrepancy in children: A population-based study. Child Development. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13825

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Schuurmans, I. K., Tamayo Martinez, N., Blok, E., Hillegers, M. H. J., Ikram, M. A., Luik, A. I., Cecil, C. A. M. (2022). Child mental health problems as a risk factor for academic underachievement: a multi-informant, population-based study. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. https://doi.org/10.1111/acps.13426