Central epigenetic mechanisms of overeating and thermal regulation

This chapter discusses epigenetic mechanisms underlying the central control of homeostasis, focusing on energy intake (and expenditure) and on body temperature. Research, mostly performed in rodents, shows a wide range of epigenetic mechanisms involved in regulation of feeding and body weight, which, when challenged, result in overeating and obesity in vulnerable individuals. Many studies found prominent sex differences and intergenerational transfer of overweight and obesity, with concomitant transfer of epigenetic marks. The anterior hypothalamic preoptic area has a pivotal role in homeostasis and energy expenditure, maintaining body temperature via a central neural network, enabling the body to adapt to fluctuations in environmental temperature. This thermoregulatory network establishes a dynamic setpoint for temperature control, which is genetically determined. It is further refined during critical periods of early prenatal and postnatal development with continuous adaptation throughout life. These adaptations may be heritable, and there is evidence supporting their regulation and maintenance by several layers of epigenetic mechanisms. Further research is needed to unravel epigenetic mechanisms underlying regulation of eating, body weight, energy expenditure, and body temperature, as well as for sex differences and intergenerational transfer of these essential regulatory processes.