Journal Article

Epigenetics and the environment: emerging patterns and implications

Feil, Robert, Fraga, Mario F.

2012

Overview

Key Points Epigenetics is the study of variations in gene function (phenotypes) that are somatically heritable (and sometimes also from one generation to the next), but which are not caused by genetic alterations. In plants and animals, different epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, can have long-term effects on gene expression. The environment affects gene expression and phenotypes, both in plants and animals. Although it triggers natural developmental processes in some species, it often has deleterious effects that have consequences for development and disease. Different environmental cues (such as nutrition, chemical compounds, temperature changes and other stresses) can affect phenotypes and epigenetic gene regulation in experimental model systems. A growing number of human studies have demonstrated long-term effects as a consequence of diet, exposure to chemical components and other external factors. The effects are particularly apparent when exposure to the environmental factor occurs during gestation. For many environmentally induced phenotypes, particularly in humans, it remains unclear to what extent epigenetic modifications could be involved. This is a challenge for future research. Genetic differences between individuals influence epigenetic deregulation, and possibly also susceptibility to environmental stresses. There is considerable interest in exploring whether environmental factors, including chemicals and dietary components, can alter epigenomes. Environmentally induced changes in epigenetic marks are important in the development of several species, such as plants and insects; whether they influence human disease will be an area for future research. Epigenetic phenomena in animals and plants are mediated by DNA methylation and stable chromatin modifications. There has been considerable interest in whether environmental factors modulate the establishment and maintenance of epigenetic modifications, and could thereby influence gene expression and phenotype. Chemical pollutants, dietary components, temperature changes and other external stresses can indeed have long-lasting effects on development, metabolism and health, sometimes even in subsequent generations. Although the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown, particularly in humans, mechanistic insights are emerging from experimental model systems. These have implications for structuring future research and understanding disease and development.

• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group UK,Nature Publishing Group
• Subject: Agriculture / Animal Genetics and Genomics / Animals / Biochemistry, Molecular Biology / Biological and medical sciences / Biomedical and Life Sciences / Biomedicine / Cancer Research / Chromatin / Environment / Epigenesis, Genetic / Epigenetic inheritance / Epigenetics / Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology / Gene expression / Gene Function / Gene-Environment Interaction / Genetics of eukaryotes. Biological and molecular evolution / Human Genetics / Humans / Life Sciences / Methylation / Phenotype / Physiological aspects / Plants - genetics / review-article