Global Research on DNA methylation from 2000 to 2019: Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization

Abstract

Introduction:DNA methylation is the most common epigenetic feature in human somatic cells, it has played a crucial role in regulating related genes and diagnosing cancer. However, few studies used bibliometric method to systematically analyze the development of DNA methylation. The purpose of this study was to systematically analyze the trends of DNA methylation research from 2000 to 2019. Methods:The published studies were searched between January, 2000 and December 31st, 2019 in the Web of Science. We only included peer-reviewed reviews and articles. The language was limited to English, and no species limitations were specified. A total of 11,127 publications met the inclusion criteria. CiteSpace V was used to analyze the trends of DNA methylation research. Results:The results showed the publications had a statistical increase over time in the DNA methylation research(P<0.005) by linear regression analyses. USA had the largest number of published papers (4263). Plos One contributed to the most publications (4.52%). The most prolific institution is Chinese Acad Sci (237). In accordance with subject categories of Web of Science, Genetics Heredity subject category had the largest number of publications (2,516) and citations (119,113). Biochemistry Molecular Biology subject category had the highest number of H-index (154). On the basis of the co-citation map of references, the “specific dna methylation” was labeled as the largest cluster. Most recent burst keywords were as follows: “pregnancy” (2017~2019), “obesity” (2017~2019), “growth” (2017~2019). Conclusions: This study provides useful information for DNA methylation researchers to find fresh viewpoints related to collaborators, cooperative institutions, popular topics. It also reminds us to pay attention to some new research trends.