Abstract
In previous chapter of this book, we have elucidated that three epigenetic modalities – microRNA (miRNA), DNA methylation, and histone modifications – are possible pathological pathways causing diabetic embryopathy. This chapter discusses the potential of utilizing epigenetic biomarkers for early diagnosis of embryonic malformation in pregnancy, and the therapeutics for diabetic embryopathy based on modifying epigenetic changes. We show evidence that circulating miRNAs, intermediates of the DNA methylation cycle, and epigenetic profiles of circulating nucleosomes, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, have become promising biomarker candidates for diagnosis and prognosis of diabetic embryopathy. We also describe studies which have targeted the activity of hyperglycemia-induced miRNAs, using mimics or inhibitors; DNA methylation, using nutritional supplements; and histone modifying enzymes, using chemical inhibitors, to prevent diabetic embryopathy. Although we have the promising progress, the development of effective biomarkers and therapeutics for diabetic embryopathy still face many challenges.
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Abbreviations
- 5MC:
-
5-methylcytosine
- CHD:
-
Congenital heart defect
- DM:
-
Diabetes mellitus
- Dnmt:
-
DNA methyltransferase
- EGCG:
-
Polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate
- FXN:
-
Frataxin
- Grhl3:
-
Grainyhead like transcription factor 3
- H3K27me3:
-
Histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation
- H3K4me2:
-
Histone 3 lysine 4 bimethylation
- H3K9me3:
-
Histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation
- H4K20me3:
-
Histone 4 lysine 20 trimethylation
- Hcy:
-
Homocysteine
- KCNH2:
-
Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2;
- KCNQ1:
-
Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1
- LINE-1:
-
Long interspersed nuclear element-1
- MYH6:
-
Myosin heavy chain 6
- NTD:
-
Neural tube defect
- Pax3:
-
Paired box 3
- SAH:
-
S-Adenosylhomocysteine
- SAM:
-
S-adenosylmethionine
- TSA:
-
Trichostatin A
- Tulp3:
-
Tubby like protein 3
- VPA:
-
Valproic acid
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Dong, D., Reece, E.A., Yang, P. (2019). Preventing and Diagnosing Diabetic Complications: Epigenetics, miRNA, DNA Methylation, and Histone Modifications. In: Patel, V., Preedy, V. (eds) Handbook of Nutrition, Diet, and Epigenetics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55530-0_101
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