Epigenetics and Nutrition

Abstract

Epigenetic research investigates various molecular mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modifications. These can establish gene expression patterns which are mitotically and/or meiotically heritable without changes in DNA-sequences. Initial insights in these mechanisms originate from experiments with tumors and have become the basis for new therapeutic strategies and nutrition-dependent tumor prevention. Using the classic animal model of the Agouti viable yellow-mouse, it was demonstrated that nutrition can epigenetically affect transgenerationally the expression of distinct phenotypes by DNA methylation. In this experimental approach the supplementation of pregnant mice with substrates of C1-metabolism resulted in changed coat color and susceptibility of their offspring to obesity. Various human studies show clearly that nutrition affects the risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases and is mediated by pre- and/or postnatal metabolic programming during critical time periods. In this respect studies of monozygotic twins are of particular interest, since these subjects are genetically identical and support the correlation of low birth weight for gestational age with a higher risk of metabolic disease. These studies further indicate that epigenetic mechanisms apply during the metabolic programming of the fetus or newborn which can last until adulthood. Nutritional factors can alter the epigenome and as environmental factor thus shape the phenotype. Nutriepigenetics will therefore play an important role in the human epigenome project being organized worldwide.