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Chapter 18 - Nutrition, environment, and epigenetics

from Section 3 - Specialized requirements

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2010

By
Ian M. Morison  and
Wolf Reik
Edited by
Michael E. Symonds  and
Margaret M. Ramsay
Michael E. Symonds
Affiliation:
University of Nottingham
Margaret M. Ramsay
Affiliation:
University of Nottingham
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Summary

This chapter highlights developmental opportunities for nutritionally induced variation within the epigenotype. DNA methylation and histone protein modifications interact to provide a stable epigenetic mechanism by which genes are made accessible for activation or rendered inactive. DNA methylation has multiple roles in regulating and maintaining the integrity of the genome. The cycle of mammalian life entails a progression from the totipotency of an early embryo, through to the loss of multipotency associated with differentiation of somatic and extra embryonic tissues, but then reprogramming of the germ cells provides a return to totipotency in the next generation. This cycle is accompanied by series of epigenetic events, which provide a potential opportunity for natural or pathological variation. The dynamic and massive changes in methylation during the first few cell divisions and days of life have multiple implications for human development. The chapter discusses the potential effects of maternal nutrients on epigenetic modifications.

Keywords

breast-fed infantscomplementary feedingformula feedingsoy-based formulasnutritional regulationinfant formulasinfant growth
Type
Chapter
Information
Maternal-Fetal Nutrition During Pregnancy and Lactation , pp. 180 - 195
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2010

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