Bridging the gap between epigenetics research and nutritional public health interventions
Bridging the gap between epigenetics research and nutritional public health interventions
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DOI：
10.1186/gm201
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发表时间：
2010-01-01
期刊：
影响因子：
12.3
通讯作者：
Lillycrop, Karen A.
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Burdge, Graham C.;Lillycrop, Karen A.
表观遗传过程，主要是 DNA 甲基化和组蛋白的共价修饰，以可通过环境线索修改的方式调节基因的转录活性。这允许转录组表达的变化而不改变基因组。早期生活环境的限制，例如早期营养不良，与晚年罹患非传染性疾病（包括心脏代谢疾病和癌症）的风险增加有关。这种诱导的表型变化涉及通过发育可塑性起作用的环境信号。最近对人类和动物模型的研究表明，表观遗传过程，特别是 DNA 甲基化，在新表型的诱导和稳定性以及疾病风险增加方面发挥着核心作用。对这些过程的识别表明，有可能开发疾病风险的生物标志物，并采取干预措施来预防或扭转不良早期生活环境的不利影响。目前，该领域的知识仅限于动物模型的原理验证研究和人类的一些初步研究。在将这些发现转化为可靠的生物标志物和安全有效的干预措施之前，需要回答几个基本问题。为了实现这一目标，需要新技术来支持大型队列研究。尽管该领域的知识还处于早期阶段，并且存在智力、技术和财务方面的挑战，但表观遗传学研究在公共卫生方面具有巨大的潜力。
Epigenetic processes, primarily DNA methylation and covalent modifications of histones, regulate the transcriptional activity of genes in a manner that can be modified by environmental cues. This allows variation in the expression of the transcriptome without changes in the genome. Constraint in the early life environment, such as poor early nutrition, is associated with increased risk of non-communicable diseases, including cardio-metabolic disease and cancer in later life. Such induced phenotypic change involves environmental signals acting through developmental plasticity. Recent studies in humans and in animal models show that epigenetic processes, in particular DNA methylation, have a central role in the induction and stability of novel phenotypes and in increased disease risk. Identification of such processes suggests the potential for developing biomarkers of disease risk and for interventions to prevent or reverse the adverse effects of a poor early life environment. At present, knowledge in this area is limited to proof-of-principle studies in animal models and some initial studies in humans. Before such findings can be translated into reliable biomarkers and safe, effective interventions, several fundamental questions need to be answered. In order to achieve this, new technologies will be needed to support large cohort studies. Despite the early stage of knowledge in this field and the intellectual, technological and financial challenges, epigenetic research has substantial potential for public health benefits.