Epigenetics - Potential contribution to fetal programming

John C. Mathers, Jill A. McKay

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

    60 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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