Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026
09:31
Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Published on: January 27, 2023
1.6K
Epigenetic Switching and Neonatal Nutritional Environment
Koshi Hashimoto1, Yoshihiro Ogawa2,3,4
1Department of Preemptive Medicine and Metabolism, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. khashimoto.mem@tmd.ac.jp.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|June 30, 2018
Summary
Liver metabolism adapts to early life changes through epigenetic regulation. DNA methylation controls key lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation genes, influenced by maternal diet and PPARα, ensuring proper development.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics and Developmental Biology
- Mammalian Liver Metabolism
- Nutritional Programming
Background:
- Hepatic metabolic functions undergo sequential changes in early life to adapt to nutritional shifts.
- Fatty acid oxidation is activated post-birth, while de novo lipogenesis is induced with oral intake.
- Mechanisms regulating metabolic pathway activation during liver maturation remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epigenetic regulation of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 1 (GPAT1), a key enzyme in de novo lipogenesis.
- To elucidate the role of DNA methylation in controlling GPAT1 expression during liver development.
- To explore the influence of maternal nutrition and PPARα on epigenetic modifications and metabolic gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DNA methylation status in the GPAT1 (Gpam) gene promoter in neonatal and adult mouse livers.
- Assessment of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) recruitment to the Gpam promoter.
- Investigation of fatty acid β-oxidation gene expression and DNA demethylation during the lactation period.
- Studies using PPARα-deficient mice and PPARα ligand administration.
Main Results:
- Neonatal liver Gpam promoter DNA methylation inhibits SREBP-1c recruitment, while adult demethylation allows it, regulating de novo lipogenesis.
- Maternal nutrition impacts offspring Gpam promoter methylation, GPAT1 expression, and liver triglyceride content.
- Postnatal liver exhibits DNA demethylation and increased fatty acid β-oxidation gene expression, specifically during lactation.
- This DNA demethylation is dependent on the nuclear receptor PPARα.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic regulation via DNA methylation and demethylation plays a critical role in adapting hepatic metabolic pathways during early life.
- GPAT1 expression is controlled by DNA methylation, influenced by maternal diet, and crucial for lipogenesis.
- PPARα-dependent DNA demethylation of fatty acid oxidation genes during lactation is essential for postnatal adaptation.
Related Concept Videos
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
33.9K
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
33.9K
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
3.9K
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...
3.9K
02:11The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
47.4K
Plants have the impressive ability to create their own food through photosynthesis. However, plants often require assistance from organisms in the soil to acquire the nutrients they need to function correctly. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved symbiotic relationships with plants that help the species to thrive in a wide variety of environments.
47.4K
01:22Switching of BJT
867
Switching behavior in Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs) is a fundamental aspect utilized in various electronic circuits, particularly for digital logic applications like switches and amplifiers. In a typical switching circuit, a BJT alternates between cut-off and saturation modes, corresponding to the "off" and "on" states, respectively, thus behaving like an ideal switch.
Cut-off Mode ("Off" State): In this state, both the emitter-base and collector-base junctions are...
Cut-off Mode ("Off" State): In this state, both the emitter-base and collector-base junctions are...
867
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
981
Parenteral Nutrition (PN) delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is commonly used for individuals with severe digestive disorders or conditions that prevent normal nutrient absorption.
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
981
01:28Microbial Nutrition
1.3K
Organisms exhibit remarkable metabolic diversity, categorized based on how they acquire energy and carbon. These strategies enable survival in various ecological niches and are essential for maintaining energy flow and nutrient cycling within ecosystems.Energy and Carbon SourcesOrganisms are classified as phototrophs or chemotrophs based on energy acquisition. Phototrophs use light as their energy source, while chemotrophs rely on oxidizing chemical compounds. Further differentiation arises...
1.3K