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Dietary Modulation of the Epigenome
Folami Y Ideraabdullah1, Steven H Zeisel1
1Departments of Genetics and Nutrition, Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina; and Departments of Nutrition and Pediatrics, Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina.
Physiological Reviews
|February 15, 2018
Summary
Nutrition significantly influences epigenetics, the study of gene activity changes without altering DNA. This research explores how dietary factors impact the epigenome, affecting health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Epigenetics involves heritable mechanisms that regulate gene expression and phenotype without changing the underlying DNA sequence.
- The concept of epigenetics has ancient origins, evolving with modern discoveries of epigenome components and regulatory functions.
- Emerging research highlights a significant role for nutrition in epigenome regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically assess the evidence linking nutrition to epigenome modulation.
- To summarize the molecular and physiological impacts of nutrition-induced epigenetic changes on human health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical assessment of existing research.
- Analysis of studies investigating the relationship between dietary components and epigenetic modifications.
- Synthesis of data on molecular and physiological outcomes related to nutritional epigenetics.
Main Results:
- Nutrition is a key regulator of the epigenome, influencing gene activity.
- Epigenetic modifications induced by diet have demonstrable effects on molecular pathways.
- These changes have significant implications for various physiological functions and overall human health.
Conclusions:
- Dietary intake plays a crucial role in shaping the epigenome.
- Understanding nutritional epigenetics is vital for addressing human health and disease.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the complex interplay between diet and epigenetics.
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