title: DNA methylation, ageing and the influence of early life nutrition.
abstract: It is well established that genotype plays an important role in the ageing process. However, recent studies have suggested that epigenetic mechanisms may also influence the onset of ageing-associated diseases and longevity. Epigenetics is defined as processes that induce heritable changes in gene expression without a change in the DNA nucleotide sequence. The major epigenetic mechanisms are DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA. Such processes are involved in the regulation of tissue-specific gene expression, cell differentiation and genomic imprinting. However, epigenetic dysregulation is frequently seen with ageing. Relatively little is known about the factors that initiate such changes. However, there is emerging evidence that the early life environment, in particular nutrition, in early life can induce long-term changes in DNA methylation resulting in an altered susceptibility to a range of ageing-associated diseases. In this review, we will focus on the changes in DNA methylation that occur during ageing; their role in the ageing process and how early life nutrition can modulate DNA methylation and influence longevity. Understanding the mechanisms by which diet in early life can influence the epigenome will be crucial for the development of preventative and intervention strategies to increase well-being in later life.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Biological Sciences,University of Southampton,Southampton,UK.
authors.forename: Karen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Lillycrop
authors.affiliation: Academic Unit of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine,University of Southampton,Southampton,UK.
authors.forename: Samuel P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Hoile
authors.affiliation: Academic Unit of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine,University of Southampton,Southampton,UK.
authors.forename: Leonie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Grenfell
authors.affiliation: Academic Unit of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine,University of Southampton,Southampton,UK.
authors.forename: Graham C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Burdge
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D019175:DNA Methylation; D004032:Diet; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D057890:Epigenomics; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012313:RNA / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D006657:Histones; D012313:RNA