Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 23, 2026

Epigenetic Conversion as a Safe and Simple Method to Obtain Insulin-secreting Cells from Adult Skin Fibroblasts
Published on: March 18, 2016
Epigenetic Markers to Predict Conversion From Gestational Diabetes to Type 2 Diabetes
Agnes A Michalczyk1, James A Dunbar1, Edward D Janus1
1Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (A.A.M., M.L.A.), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia 3125; Deakin Population Health Strategic Research Centre (J.A.D., D.A.), Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia 3125; University of Melbourne (E.D.J.) Western Centre for Health Research and Education, Western Health, St Albans, Victoria, Australia 3021; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (J.D.B.), Singapore, 308232; Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (P.R.E.), Monash University, Victoria, Australia 3168; and Department of Health & Human Services (M.J.A.), Victoria, Australia 3000.
Epigenetic markers, specifically H3K27 and H3K4 dimethylation, were lower in women who developed type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes (GDM). These markers may predict GDM to type 2 diabetes conversion.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Epigenetics
- Metabolic Disease
Background:
- Lifestyle factors influence epigenetic modifications linked to chronic diseases.
- While animal studies suggest a connection, epigenetic data in women with gestational diabetes (GDM) and type 2 diabetes is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify epigenetic markers throughout pregnancy and early postpartum.
- To identify potential predictive markers for GDM conversion to type 2 diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Measured global histone H3 dimethylation in white blood cells at 30 weeks gestation, and 8-10 and 20 weeks postpartum.
- Compared methylation percentages between nondiabetic women, women with GDM who developed type 2 diabetes, women with GDM who did not develop type 2 diabetes, and women with type 2 diabetes.
Main Results:
- H3K27 dimethylation was 50-60% lower postpartum in women who converted from GDM to type 2 diabetes compared to nondiabetic women.
- H3K4 dimethylation was 75% lower postpartum in women who converted from GDM to type 2 diabetes compared to those with GDM who did not.
Conclusions:
- Postpartum H3K27 and H3K4 dimethylation levels differ based on diabetic status.
- These histone methylation patterns show potential as predictive biomarkers for identifying women at risk of progressing from GDM to type 2 diabetes.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Cell Specific Gene Expression

