Epigenetic change as the major mediator of fetal programming in humans: Are we there yet?

Abstract

The developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis predicts that environmental exposures experienced early in life have the potential to modify the risk associated with later-onset disease. The DOHaD hypothesis is supported by a large number of direct animal studies and a smaller number of compelling observational studies in humans, but the mechanism(s) underlying the 'programming' effects of DOHaD remain largely unclear. Given the inherent property of environmental sensitivity, the demonstrated role in gene regulation, and the capacity for stable maintenance over time once established, epigenetic variation has rapidly emerged as a candidate mediator of such effects. However,..