Nutrient regulation of gene expression: a methodological strategy.
Nutrients should be viewed as the earliest of the hormone signals which allowed an organism to respond to changes in its nutrient environment. Defining nutrient function at the nuclear level will permit us to understand how our dietary environment is related to the development of nutritionally related pathophysiologies such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Moreover, through the application of molecular techniques, we will begin to understand how specific nutrients govern the developmental pattern of specific organs such as the kidney. In this review, the fatty acid synthase gene is employed as a model to demonstrate how one sequentially approaches questions pertaining to the regulation of gene expression by a nutrient, and the article presents a nuclear explanation for how dietary polyunsaturated fats decrease blood triglycerides. More importantly, studies of this nature provide a basis for screening genetically susceptible populations and information that will allow the nutritionists of the 21st century to customize a diet for patients at risk.
Clarke
S D
SD
Department of Human Ecology, University of Texas, Austin 78712, USA. stevedclarke@mail.utexas.edu
D000818:Animals; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004798:Enzymes / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D004041:Dietary Fats; D004798:Enzymes; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D008055:Lipids; D012333:RNA, Messenger