[PDF][PDF] Developmental origins of disease and determinants of chromatin structure: maternal diet modifies the primate fetal epigenome

KM Aagaard-Tillery, K Grove, J Bishop… - Journal of …, 2008 - jme.bioscientifica.com
KM Aagaard-Tillery, K Grove, J Bishop, X Ke, Q Fu, R McKnight, RH Lane
Journal of molecular endocrinology, 2008jme.bioscientifica.com
Chromatin structure is epigenetically altered via covalent modifications of histones to allow
for heritable gene regulation without altering the nucleotide sequence. Multiple lines of
evidence from rodents have established a role for epigenetic remodeling in regulating gene
transcription in response to an altered gestational milieu. However, to date, it is unknown
whether variations in the intrauterine environment in primates similarly induce changes in
key determinants of hepatic chromatin structure. We hypothesized that a maternal high-fat …
Abstract
Chromatin structure is epigenetically altered via covalent modifications of histones to allow for heritable gene regulation without altering the nucleotide sequence. Multiple lines of evidence from rodents have established a role for epigenetic remodeling in regulating gene transcription in response to an altered gestational milieu. However, to date, it is unknown whether variations in the intrauterine environment in primates similarly induce changes in key determinants of hepatic chromatin structure. We hypothesized that a maternal high-fat diet would alter the epigenomic profile of the developing offspring, which would result in alterations in fetal gene expression. Age-and weight-matched adult female Japanese macaques were placed on control (13% fat) or high-fat (35% fat) breeder diets and mated annually over a 4-year interval.
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