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10:03
A Zebrafish Model of Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Memory
Published on: February 28, 2013
Metabolic programming, epigenetics, and gestational diabetes mellitus.
Sara E Pinney1, Rebecca A Simmons
1Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. pinneys@email.chop.edu
Current Diabetes Reports
|December 1, 2011
Summary
Maternal diabetes during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes mellitus, can program offspring for later disease development. Epigenetic changes in gene expression are key molecular mechanisms underlying this developmental programming.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD)
- Metabolic disease
Background:
- Adverse intrauterine environments, particularly those involving maternal obesity and diabetes, are linked to offspring disease development.
- The precise molecular mechanisms driving this phenomenon remain largely unknown.
- Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a significant complication impacting fetal development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on the role of GDM in disease programming in offspring.
- To identify mechanisms responsible for the "programming effect" of in utero diabetes exposure.
- To highlight research on epigenetic regulation in response to maternal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent publications.
- Analysis of studies investigating GDM's impact on offspring health.
- Examination of animal models of uteroplacental insufficiency and diabetes development.
Main Results:
- Gestational diabetes mellitus is implicated in the developmental programming of offspring diseases.
- Epigenetic modifications are identified as crucial mediators of gene expression changes.
- Maternal exposures can alter epigenetic marks, influencing offspring's susceptibility to diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Maternal diabetes during pregnancy can epigenetically "program" offspring for disease.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for preventing long-term health consequences.
- Epigenetic regulation offers a potential target for therapeutic interventions.
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X-chromosome...
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