Epigenetics and the environment: emerging patterns and implications

R Feil, MF Fraga - Nature reviews genetics, 2012 - nature.com
R Feil, MF Fraga
Nature reviews genetics, 2012nature.com
Epigenetic phenomena in animals and plants are mediated by DNA methylation and stable
chromatin modifications. There has been considerable interest in whether environmental
factors modulate the establishment and maintenance of epigenetic modifications, and could
thereby influence gene expression and phenotype. Chemical pollutants, dietary
components, temperature changes and other external stresses can indeed have long-lasting
effects on development, metabolism and health, sometimes even in subsequent …
Abstract
Epigenetic phenomena in animals and plants are mediated by DNA methylation and stable chromatin modifications. There has been considerable interest in whether environmental factors modulate the establishment and maintenance of epigenetic modifications, and could thereby influence gene expression and phenotype. Chemical pollutants, dietary components, temperature changes and other external stresses can indeed have long-lasting effects on development, metabolism and health, sometimes even in subsequent generations. Although the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown, particularly in humans, mechanistic insights are emerging from experimental model systems. These have implications for structuring future research and understanding disease and development.
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