Epigenetics - Potential contribution to fetal programming

John C. Mathers, Jill A. McKay

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

57 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Whilst the primary DNA sequence sets the limits of potential gene expression, the pattern of gene expression in a given cell under particular circumstances is determined by several factors including the epigenetic marking of the genome. These marks include DNA methylation and post-translational modification of the histones around which DNA is wrapped when packaged in the nucleus. Importantly, these marks are malleable in response to environmental exposures and contribute to phenotypic plasticity in the context of a fixed genotype. There is now proof of principle that maternal diet can have a profound impact on the epigenome and so determine gene expression patterns and health throughout the life-course. Studies of altered epigenetic marking will be of profound importance for mechanistic understanding of the role of nutrition in health but especially for studies of the developmental origins of health.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEarly Nutrition Programming and Health Outcomes in Later Life
Subtitle of host publicationObesity and Beyond
EditorsBerthold Koletzko, Tamás Decsi, Dées Molnár, Anne de la Hunty
PublisherSpringer
Pages119-123
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9781402091735
ISBN (Print)9781402091728
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Mar 2009
Event15th European Congress on Obesity - Budapest, Hungary
Duration: 22 Jan 200725 Jan 2007

Publication series

NameAdvances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Volume646
ISSN (Print)0065-2598

Conference

Conference15th European Congress on Obesity
Country/TerritoryHungary
CityBudapest
Period22/01/0725/01/07

Keywords

  • DNA methylation
  • Epigenetics
  • Gene expression
  • Histone decoration

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