Epigenetic flexibility in metabolic regulation: Disease cause and prevention?

Henriette Kirchner, Megan E. Osler, Anna Krook, Juleen R. Zierath*

*Corresponding author for this work
66 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), are increasing worldwide at an alarming rate. Epigenetic DNA modifications such as DNA methylation and histone modifications are thought to play an important role in the development of and predisposition to metabolic diseases. This review highlights the key functions of DNA methylation and histone modifications and elucidates the underlying mechanisms of in utero programming and epigenetic inheritance, which could account for the global increase in obesity and T2DM. The impact of exercise and nutrition on the tissue-specific epigenetic profile is discussed, because these lifestyle factors may modify epigenetic programming and predisposition to obesity and T2DM.

Original languageEnglish
JournalTrends in Cell Biology
Volume23
Issue number5
Pages (from-to)203-209
Number of pages7
ISSN0962-8924
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.05.2013

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