The interplay between DNA methylation, folate and neurocognitive development.
DNA methylation provides an attractive possible means for propagating the effects of environmental inputs during fetal life and impacting subsequent adult mental health, which is leading to increasing collaboration between molecular biologists, nutritionists and psychiatrists. An area of interest is the potential role of folate, not just in neural tube closure in early pregnancy, but in later major neurodevelopmental events, with consequences for later sociocognitive maturation. Here, we set the scene for recent discoveries by reviewing the major events of neural development during fetal life, with an emphasis on tissues and structures where dynamic methylation changes are known to occur. Following this, we give an indication of some of the major classes of genes targeted by methylation and important for neurological and behavioral development. Finally, we highlight some cognitive disorders where methylation changes are implicated as playing an important role.
EpiFASSTT study, Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK.
Rachelle E
RE
Irwin
EpiFASSTT study, Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK.
Kristina
K
Pentieva
EpiFASSTT study, Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK.
Tony
T
Cassidy
EpiFASSTT study, Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK.
Diane J
DJ
Lees-Murdock
EpiFASSTT study, Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK.
Marian
M
McLaughlin
EpiFASSTT study, Computer Sciences Research Institutes, Ulster University, Londonderry, UK.
Girijesh
G
Prasad
EpiFASSTT study, Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK.
Helene
H
McNulty
EpiFASSTT study, Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK.
Colum P
CP
Walsh
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000254:growth & development; D002465:Cell Movement; D003071:Cognition; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000517:prevention & control; D055495:Neurogenesis; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology
D005492:Folic Acid
5-hydroxymethylation; Barker hypothesis; DNMT1; DNMT3A; MeCP2; TET; homocysteine