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Epigenetics and the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
Citation:
Rogers, J., C. Lau, AND R. Ellis-Hutchings. Epigenetics and the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease. Chapter 5, Charlene McQueen (ed.), Comprehensive Toxicology, 3rd Edition. ELSEVIER, AMSTERDAM, Holland, 5:118-136, (2018).
Impact/Purpose:
This chapter reviews the general field of epigenetics and specifically discusses the role of epigenetics in normal and abnormal development. Mechanisms by which gene expression is controlled are discussed, as is the transmission of epigenetic information from parents to offspring. Prenatal and early postnatal exposures to adverse environments can have effects on the lifelong health and disease risk of the offspring.
Description:
Epigenetic programming is likely to be an important mechanism underlying the lasting influence of the developmental environment on lifelong health, a concept known as the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). DNA methylation, posttranslational histone protein modifications, noncoding RNAs and recruited protein complexes are elements of the epigenetic regulation of gene transcription. The epigenome comprises the total epigenetic landscape of the genome, and is by definition modifiable yet in part heritable across generations. The epigenome is particularly dynamic and labile during specific stages of the reproductive cycle and development. Epigenetic marks may be maintained throughout an individual’s lifespan and can alter the life-long risk of disease; the nature of these epigenetic marks and their potential alteration by environmental factors is an area of active research. This chapter provides an overview of epigenetic regulation, particularly as it occurs as an essential component of reproduction and prenatal development.
