title: Epigenetics in pediatrics.
abstract: Epigenetic mechanisms are external modifications of DNA that cause changes in gene function and are involved in many diseases. Specific examples of pediatric diseases with a known or suspected epigenetic component include Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, childhood leukemia, allergies, asthma, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, childhood obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Currently, epigenetically active treatments are being used to treat childhood leukemia. Potential epigenetically active treatments and preventive regimens are under study for other diseases. Pediatricians need to be aware of the epigenetic basis of disease to help inform clinical decision making in the future.
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Outcomes and Prevention Research, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD. Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, The University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD.
authors.forename: Susan E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Puumala
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Outcomes and Prevention Research, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD. Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, The University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD. Sanford Children's Specialty Clinic, Sioux Falls, SD.
authors.forename: H Eugene
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Hoyme
mesh_terms: D001506:Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome / Q000235:genetics; D002648:Child; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000502:physiology*; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000235:genetics