Nutrition and epigenetics: An emerging field

Abstract Epigenetics refers to heritable changes to gene expression encoded not by differences in the genetic sequence but by other chemical modifications to chromatin, such as methylation of the DNA backbone, or acetylation and methylation of the histone core. The total set of such epigenetic marks can be referred to as the epigenome, but unlike the genome, epigenetic marks differ between tissues and are modified by metabolic conditions and environmental exposures throughout life. In humans and animal models, key metabolic pathways, such as those of energy metabolism and obesity, are believed to be partly regulated by epigenetic mechanisms and to be subject to metabolic and nutritional modification in utero and throughout life. There is growing interest in the possibility that extremes of energy or micronutrient availability may modulate the epigenome and hence modify the development and disease susceptibility of individuals. Particular interest is evident for methyl donors, including folic acid, which might directly modify DNA methylation in humans.
Source: Nutrition Bulletin - Category: Nutrition Authors: Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research