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Epigenetics of Childhood Obesity

  • Obesity (S Armstrong and A Patel, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

We sought to describe how epigenetics, the study of potentially heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes in the underlying DNA sequence, has promise in the development of effective preventive interventions for childhood obesity.

Recent Findings

Three main mechanisms cause epigenetic changes: DNA methylation, histone and chromatin modification, and post-translational regulation, including that by microRNAs (miRNAs). These mechanisms may be altered by a variety of exposures, and evidence suggests they act at multiple time points prior to conception, during pregnancy, and during infancy and childhood. Epigenetic changes, particularly DNA methylation, have been associated with birth weight, early childhood, and teenage obesity. Each epigenetic mechanism raises the possibility of therapeutics. DNA methylation may be affected by maternal and paternal diet, exercise, and supplements. Histone and chromatin modification can be altered by histone deacetylase inhibitors and other small molecules. miRNAs are already being studied in cancer and type 2 diabetes.

Summary

Although epigenetics is in its infancy, it could provide an important link between maternal exposures and childhood metabolic outcomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA

    Kara Wegermann & Cynthia A. Moylan

  2. Department of Medicine, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA

    Cynthia A. Moylan

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  1. Kara Wegermann
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  2. Cynthia A. Moylan
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Correspondence to Cynthia A. Moylan.

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Kara Wegermann and Cynthia A. Moylan each declare no potential conflicts of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Obesity

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Wegermann, K., Moylan, C.A. Epigenetics of Childhood Obesity. Curr Pediatr Rep 5, 111–117 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-017-0133-8

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