Transgenerational Epigenetic Mechanisms in Adipose Tissue Development. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lecoutre, Simon; Petrus, Paul; Rydén, Mikael; Breton, Christophe
• Is Part Of: Trends in endocrinology and metabolism. Volume 29:Number 10(2018)
• Page Start: 675
• Page End: 685
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: perinatal period -- maternal obesity -- Developmental Origin of Health and Disease -- programming -- fat expansion; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Periodicals; Metabolism; 616.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2018.07.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-2760

Abstract

Abstract : An adverse nutritional environment during the perinatal period increases the risk of adult-onset metabolic diseases, such as obesity, which may persist across generations. Adipose tissue (AT) from offspring of malnourished dams has been shown to display altered adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and adipokine expression, impaired thermogenesis, and low-grade inflammation. Although the exact mechanisms underlying these alterations remain unclear, epigenetic processes are believed to have an important role. In this review, we focus on epigenetic mechanisms in AT that may account for transgenerational dysregulation of adipocyte formation and adipose function. Understanding the complex interactions between maternal diet and epigenetic regulation of the AT in offspring may be valuable in improving preventive strategies against the obesity pandemic. Highlights: Increasing evidence suggests that adult-onset metabolic disorders, including obesity, may derive in part from events taking place during fetal and postnatal development. Studies in animal models and humans suggest that AT is the focus of developmental programming events in a sex- and depot-specific manner. Suboptimal nutritional and hormonal milieu during the perinatal period may affect adipogenesis via epigenomic remodeling consistent with modified gene expression levels. Editing of epigenetic marks on adipocyte progenitors (DNA methylation and histone modifications) during gestation and lactation may serve as a memory of exposure to maternal malnutrition. The persistence of these marks throughout life may program permanent changes in gene expression and may account for epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of obesity.