An epigenetic escape route

Abstract

Some of our fate is predetermined, by genetics and by the environment in the womb. Gestational environments are reflected in the DNA methylomes of newborns, in a manner that is often influenced by genotype. Therefore, DNA methylation serves as molecular mechanism linking the interplay of early life environments and genetics to later life health. As such, methylation marks are potential biomarkers of suboptimal developmental trajectories. Can DNA methylation also be used to construct an escape route from biological fate?

Keywords: DNA methylation; biomarker; developmental origins of health and disease (DoHAD); epigenetics; gene×environment; newborn.