Metabolic Inputs into Epigenetics
Scott J. Bultman
from: Epigenetics: Current Research and Emerging Trends (Edited by: Brian P. Chadwick). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2015) Pages: 307-326.
Abstract
Gene-environment interactions converge at the level of the epigenome, which, in turn, influences transcriptome profiles and phenotypic outcomes. In this context, we must consider our diet as an amalgam of environmental factors that we are continuously exposed to and as something not restricted to caloric content. Certain bioactive food components and energy metabolites are known to modulate epigenomic marks and gene expression. In fact, many epigenetic enzymes require intermediary energy metabolites as essential co-factors. Collectively, this represents a suite of mechanisms that link nutrient availability with regulation of gene expression to maintain homeostasis. These mechanisms are important for human health, and perturbations can alter an individual's susceptibility to various disease states including cancer. This chapter discusses some of the better-understood relationships between diet/energy metabolites and DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and ATPase chromatin-remodeling complexes in mammals. Each section includes specific examples of "metaboloepigenetics" that have been documented in humans and mouse models that are relevant to disease read more ...
