scholarly journals Nutrition during Pregnancy Impacts Offspring's Epigenetic Status—Evidence from Human and Animal Studies

2015 ◽  
Vol 8s1 ◽  
pp. NMI.S29527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aisling A. Geraghty ◽  
Karen L. Lindsay ◽  
Goiuri Alberdi ◽  
Fionnuala M. McAuliffe ◽  
Eileen R. Gibney
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Critical Period ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Global Methylation ◽  
Methyl Donors ◽  
Methylation Patterns

Pregnancy is a vital time of growth and development during which maternal nutrition significantly influences the future health of both mother and baby. During pregnancy, the fetus experiences a critical period of plasticity. Epigenetics, specifically DNA methylation, plays an important role here. As nutrition is influential for DNA methylation, this review aims to determine if maternal nutrition during pregnancy can modify the offspring's epigenome at birth. Research focuses on micronutrients and methyl donors such as folate and B vitamins. Evidence suggests that maternal nutrition does not largely influence global methylation patterns, particularly in nutrient-replete populations; however, an important impact on gene-specific methylation is observed. A link is shown between maternal nutrition and the methylome of the offspring; however, there remains a paucity of research. With the potential to use DNA methylation patterns at birth to predict health of the child in later life, it is vital that further research be carried out.

scholarly journals Effect of supplementation with methyl-donor nutrients on neurodevelopment and cognition: considerations for future research

2018 ◽  
Vol 76 (7) ◽  
pp. 497-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E McKee ◽  
Teresa M Reyes
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Postnatal Life ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Nutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Methyl Donor

Abstract Pregnancy represents a critical period in fetal development, such that the prenatal environment can, in part, establish a lifelong trajectory of health or disease for the offspring. Poor nutrition (macro- or micronutrient deficiencies) can adversely affect brain development and significantly increase offspring risk for metabolic and neurological disease development. The concentration of dietary methyl-donor nutrients is known to alter DNA methylation in the brain, and alterations in DNA methylation can have long-lasting effects on gene expression and neuronal function. The decreased availability of methyl-donor nutrients to the developing fetus in models of poor maternal nutrition is one mechanism hypothesized to link maternal malnutrition and disease risk in offspring. Animal studies indicate that supplementation of both maternal and postnatal (early- and later-life) diets with methyl-donor nutrients can attenuate disease risk in offspring; however, clinical research is more equivocal. The objective of this review is to summarize how specific methyl-donor nutrient deficiencies and excesses during pre- and postnatal life alter neurodevelopment and cognition. Emphasis is placed on reviewing the current literature, highlighting challenges within nutrient supplementation research, and considering potential strategies to ensure robust findings in future studies.

Examination of the dynamics of global DNA methylation pattern establishment during spermatogenesiss

2007 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 90
Author(s):  
Kirsten Niles ◽  
Sophie La Salle ◽  
Christopher Oakes ◽  
Jacquetta Trasler
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Germ Cell ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Epigenetic Modification ◽  
Methylation Pattern ◽  
Chromosome 9 ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Global Methylation ◽  
Dna Methylation Pattern ◽  
Methylation Patterns

Background: DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification involved in gene expression, genome stability, and genomic imprinting. In the male, methylation patterns are initially erased in primordial germ cells (PGCs) as they enter the gonadal ridge; methylation patterns are then acquired on CpG dinucleotides during gametogenesis. Correct pattern establishment is essential for normal spermatogenesis. To date, the characterization and timing of methylation pattern acquisition in PGCs has been described using a limited number of specific gene loci. This study aimed to describe DNA methylation pattern establishment dynamics during male gametogenesis through global methylation profiling techniques in a mouse model. Methods: Using a chromosome based approach, primers were designed for 24 regions spanning chromosome 9; intergenic, non-repeat, non-CpG island sequences were chosen for study based on previous evidence that these types of sequences are targets for testis-specific methylation events. The percent methylation was determined in each region by quantitative analysis of DNA methylation using real-time PCR (qAMP). The germ cell-specific pattern was determined by comparing methylation between spermatozoa and liver. To examine methylation in developing germ cells, spermatogonia from 2 day- and 6 day-old Oct4-GFP (green fluorescent protein) mice were isolated using fluorescence activated cell sorting. Results: As compared to liver, four loci were hypomethylated and five loci were hypermethylated in spermatozoa, supporting previous results indicating a unique methylation pattern in male germ cells. Only one region was hypomethylated and no regions were hypermethylated in day 6 spermatogonia as compared to mature spermatozoa, signifying that the bulk of DNA methylation is established prior to type A spermatogonia. The methylation in day 2 spermatogonia, germ cells that are just commencing mitosis, revealed differences of 15-20% compared to day 6 spermatogonia at five regions indicating that the most crucial phase of DNA methylation acquisition occurs prenatally. Conclusion: Together, these studies provide further evidence that germ cell methylation patterns differ from those in somatic tissues and suggest that much of methylation at intergenic sites is acquired during prenatal germ cell development. (Supported by CIHR)

Epigenetic Mechanisms of Maternal Dietary Protein and Amino Acids Affecting Growth and Development of Offspring

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 727-735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Wu ◽  
Zhibin Cheng ◽  
Yueyu Bai ◽  
Xi Ma
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Dietary Protein ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Biological Macromolecules ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Maternal Circulation ◽  
Energy Processing ◽  
Living Organisms

Nutrients can regulate metabolic activities of living organisms through epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and RNA regulation. Since the nutrients required for early embryos and postpartum lactation are derived in whole or in part from maternal and lactating nutrition, the maternal nutritional level affects the growth and development of fetus and creates a profound relationship between disease development and early environmental exposure in the offspring’s later life. Protein is one of the most important biological macromolecules, involved in almost every process of life, such as information transmission, energy processing and material metabolism. Maternal protein intake levels may affect the integrity of the fetal genome and alter DNA methylation and gene expression. Most amino acids are supplied to the fetus from the maternal circulation through active transport of placenta. Some amino acids, such as methionine, as dietary methyl donor, play an important role in DNA methylation and body’s one-carbon metabolism. The purpose of this review is to describe effects of maternal dietary protein and amino acid intake on fetal and neonatal growth and development through epigenetic mechanisms, with examples in humans and animals.

106 The Effects of Fetal Programming on Offspring Pancreas DNA Methylation

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 54-55
Author(s):  
Maria L Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Fetal Programming ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Maternal Diet ◽  
Multiple Generations ◽  
Livestock Species ◽  
Maternal Programming ◽  
Genome Bisulfite Sequencing ◽  
The Many ◽  
Methylation Patterns

Abstract It has been well documented that fetal programming, caused by changes to the maternal environment during pregnancy, can impact the overall health and growth of the offspring in livestock and non-livestock species alike. These effects are observed in the F1 offspring as well as across subsequent generations; however, the mechanisms by which this occurs are still poorly understood. Epigenetics is one of the many mechanisms that is hypothesized to have a role in fetal programming and may be mediating the observed effects across multiple generations. It has been demonstrated by others that DNA methylation patterns can be altered by an individuals’ diet and that the pancreas is vulnerable to the effects of fetal programming. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of poor maternal nutrition during gestation on the pancreas tissue of lambs. We have demonstrated that maternal under- or overnutrition during gestation alters the DNA methylation patterns of the offspring pancreas tissue with these effects being diet dependent and sex specific. We have also begun evaluating the effects of maternal diet in murine models using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing to compare species differences and determine if there are any changes conserved across species. This will allow us to focus on a smaller number of critical factors in individuals as they age and across multiple generations in livestock species such as sheep and cattle. From these data we will be able to elucidate the role DNA methylation has in mediating the effects of maternal programming in the pancreas tissue.

scholarly journals Microwave Assisted DNA Hydrolysis for Global Methylation Analysis by Gas Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karla Viridiana Castro-Cerritos ◽  
Julio Cesar Torres-Elguera ◽  
Jaqueline Capataz-Tafur ◽  
Erick Adrian Juarez-Arellano ◽  
Adolfo Lopez-Torres
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Multiple Reaction Monitoring ◽  
Good Alternative ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Mass Analyzer ◽  
Global Methylation ◽  
Epigenetic Events ◽  
Methylation Patterns

<div><p class="Abstract">The analysis of the global DNA methylation, calculated as the percentage of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) over the total sum of cytosines, is a well stablished biomarker for monitoring large scale epigenetic events in organisms. DNA purification, hydrolysis, separation and detection methods are critical steps to determine this biomarker. In the present work is proposed a robust procedure for DNA acid-hydrolysis assisted by microwave that provides identical DNA methylation patterns that enzymatic hydrolysis and better release of 5mC than acid classic method. The quantification was performed using a gas chromatographer coupled to a mass spectrometer with triple quadrupole as mass analyzer (GC-TQ-MS/MS) using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode for the trimethylsilyl-derivates of nucleobases; following the transitions of 254→238, 240→170 and 254→238, 254→184 (m/z) for C and 5mC respectively, was achieved a limit of detection of 0.46 fmol for C and 0.41 fmol for 5mC. The proposed procedure is capable of determine 0.004% of 5mC in 50 ng of DNA in a chromatographic time of 10 minutes, being a good alternative to LC-MS/MS analysis.</p></div>

scholarly journals Importance of Genetic Factors in Male Fertility Disorders, Clinical Relevance of Epigenetic Markers in Male Infertility

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (7) ◽  
pp. 2566-2570
Author(s):  
Dragos Botezatu ◽  
Cristina Popescu ◽  
Andrei-Dan Korodi ◽  
Cristian Furau ◽  
Gheorghe Furau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Male Infertility ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Complex Problem ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Global Methylation ◽  
Methylation Of Dna ◽  
Genome Methylation ◽  
Methylation Patterns

Male infertility is a common and complex problem affecting 1 out of 20 men. Despite extensive research in this area, in many cases, the underlying causes are unknown. Epigenetic changes control a series of processes within the body, including male fertility. Classification of infertile men using a more detailed analysis of DNA methylation patterns could reveal a new level of low rates of fertilization, implantation, or pregnancy. In this context, it seemed to us to use the techniques available to evaluate the degree of global methylation of DNA in infertile patients who have modified sperm counts, but also those who apparently do not have a clear cause of infertility. For this we used the Quest 5mC-Zymoresaerch-ELISA kit that can detect within about 5 hours the global level of genome methylation. Claims on which common illnesses have an epigenetic base are still open to speculation, but if true, it can imprint a new direction in medicine. Our data, although from a pilot study, are consistent with those in the literature. A recent study has shown that DNA methylation levels were significantly higher in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia patients than in the control group and the increase in global DNA methylation and histone retention in men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

scholarly journals Dynamic DNA Methylation in Plant Growth and Development

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 2144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Bartels ◽  
Qiang Han ◽  
Pooja Nair ◽  
Liam Stacey ◽  
Hannah Gaynier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Genome Stability ◽  
Epigenetic Modification ◽  
Plant Growth And Development ◽  
Complex Dynamic ◽  
Dynamic Changes ◽  
The Common ◽  
Methylation Patterns

DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification required for transposable element (TE) silencing, genome stability, and genomic imprinting. Although DNA methylation has been intensively studied, the dynamic nature of methylation among different species has just begun to be understood. Here we summarize the recent progress in research on the wide variation of DNA methylation in different plants, organs, tissues, and cells; dynamic changes of methylation are also reported during plant growth and development as well as changes in response to environmental stresses. Overall DNA methylation is quite diverse among species, and it occurs in CG, CHG, and CHH (H = A, C, or T) contexts of genes and TEs in angiosperms. Moderately expressed genes are most likely methylated in gene bodies. Methylation levels decrease significantly just upstream of the transcription start site and around transcription termination sites; its levels in the promoter are inversely correlated with the expression of some genes in plants. Methylation can be altered by different environmental stimuli such as pathogens and abiotic stresses. It is likely that methylation existed in the common eukaryotic ancestor before fungi, plants and animals diverged during evolution. In summary, DNA methylation patterns in angiosperms are complex, dynamic, and an integral part of genome diversity after millions of years of evolution.

scholarly journals The Impact of Natural Dietary Compounds and Food-Borne Mycotoxins on DNA Methylation and Cancer

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terisha Ghazi ◽  
Thilona Arumugam ◽  
Ashmika Foolchand ◽  
Anil A. Chuturgoon
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Epigenetic Modification ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Methyl Donors ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
One Carbon Metabolism ◽  
Aberrant Dna Methylation ◽  
Methylation Patterns ◽  
The Impact

Cancer initiation and progression is an accumulation of genetic and epigenetic modifications. DNA methylation is a common epigenetic modification that regulates gene expression, and aberrant DNA methylation patterns are considered a hallmark of cancer. The human diet is a source of micronutrients, bioactive molecules, and mycotoxins that have the ability to alter DNA methylation patterns and are thus a contributing factor for both the prevention and onset of cancer. Micronutrients such as betaine, choline, folate, and methionine serve as cofactors or methyl donors for one-carbon metabolism and other DNA methylation reactions. Dietary bioactive compounds such as curcumin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, and sulforaphane reactivate essential tumor suppressor genes by reversing aberrant DNA methylation patterns, and therefore, they have shown potential against various cancers. In contrast, fungi-contaminated agricultural foods are a source of potent mycotoxins that induce carcinogenesis. In this review, we summarize the existing literature on dietary micronutrients, bioactive compounds, and food-borne mycotoxins that affect DNA methylation patterns and identify their potential in the onset and treatment of cancer.

scholarly journals A maternal effect regulates global DNA methylation patterns

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Remco Loos ◽  
Valeria Carola ◽  
Enrica Audero ◽  
Elena Brini ◽  
Luisa Lo Iacono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Maternal Effect ◽  
Cpg Island ◽  
Inbred Mouse ◽  
Mouse Strains ◽  
Global Dna Methylation ◽  
Global Methylation ◽  
Genome Methylation ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Methylation Patterns

AbstractVariation in DNA methylation between individuals has been shown to be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. However, the relative impact of genetic and non-genetic factors on DNA methylation patterns across the mammalian genome has not been systematically studied. We performed whole-genome methylation analysis in two inbred mouse strains, revealing striking differences in the global distribution of DNA methylation. Although global methylation patterns were indistinguishable for most genomic features, a significant increase in the number of unmethylated CpG-island promoters and first exons was observed between strains. Experiments using F1 reciprocal hybrid strains demonstrated that the genotype of the mother dictated global DNA methylation patterns. Cross-fostering experiments ruled out a postnatal maternal effect on these differences and suggested that they were driven by a prenatal maternal effect, possibly via differential deposition of maternal gene products into the oocyte or uterine environment. These data demonstrate that maternal effects have a major impact on global DNA methylation patterns.

scholarly journals Nutritional modulation of the epigenome and its implication for future health

2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Burton ◽  
Karen A. Lillycrop
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Level Of Activity ◽  
Epigenetic Processes

Non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as type-2 diabetes and CVD are now highly prevalent in both developed and developing countries. Evidence from both human and animal studies shows that early-life nutrition is an important determinant of NCD risk in later life. The mechanism by which the early-life environment influences future disease risk has been suggested to include the altered epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Epigenetic processes regulate the accessibility of genes to the cellular proteins that control gene transcription, determining where and when a gene is switched on and its level of activity. Epigenetic processes not only play a central role in regulating gene expression but also allow an organism to adapt to the environment. In this review, we will focus on how both maternal and paternal nutrition can alter the epigenome and the evidence that these changes are causally involved in determining future disease risk.

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