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Maternal Influences on Epigenetic Programming of the Developing Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis
Citation:
GRACE, C. E. AND S. KIM. Maternal Influences on Epigenetic Programming of the Developing Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis. BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH PART A: CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR TERATOLOGY. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., Indianapolis, IN, 91(8):797-805, (2011).
Impact/Purpose:
This is a review of maternal effects on the developing HPA axis in offspring and the epigenetic programming of the HPA in offspring
Description:
Parental and environmental factors during the prenatal and postnatal periods permanently affect the physiology and metabolism of offspring, potentially increasing risk of disease later in life. Underlying mechanisms are beginning to be elucidated, and effects on a number of organs and metabolic pathways are likely involved. In this review we consider effects on the developing Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, effects which may represent a common pathway for developmental programming. The focus is on prenatal and early postnatal development, during which the HPA axis may be programmed in a manner that affects health for a lifetime. Programming of the HPA axis involves, at least in part, epigenetic remodeling of the chromatin, leading to alterations in the expression of genes in many organs and tissues involved in HPA activation and response. Examples of developmental epigenetic modifications affecting the HPA axis as well as target tissues will be provided.
