Mechanisms of fetal epigenetics that determine telomere dynamics and health span in adulthood

Publication date: Available online 26 August 2017Source: Mechanisms of Ageing and DevelopmentAuthor(s): Sanda Ravlić, Nikolina Škrobot Vidaček, Lucia Nanić, Mario Laganović, Neda Slade, Bojan Jelaković, Ivica RubeljAbstractAdvances in epigenetics now enable us to better understand environmental influences on the genetic background of human diseases. This refers especially to fetal development where an adverse intrauterine environment impacts oxygen and nutrient supply to the fetus. Recently, differences in telomere length and telomere loss dynamics among individuals born with intrauterine growth restriction compared to normal controls have been described. In this paper we propose possible molecular mechanisms that (pre)program telomere epigenetics during pregnancy. This programming sets differences in telomere lengths and dynamics of telomere shortening in adulthood and therefore dictates the dynamics of aging and morbidity in later life.
Source: Mechanisms of Ageing and Development - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research