Cited by 146Epigenetics and DNA MethylationBirth, Development, and HealthGenetic Syndromes and Imprinting

DNA methylation, early life environment, and health outcomes

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Mitchell, Colter, Schneper, Lisa M., Notterman, Daniel A.·2016·Pediatric Research

Abstract

Epigenetics, and especially DNA methylation, have recently become provocative biological explanations for early-life environmental effects on later health. Despite the large increase in papers on the topic over the last few years, many questions remain with regards to the biological feasibility of this mechanism and the strength of the evidence to date. In this review, we examine the literature on early-life effects on epigenetic patterns, with special emphasis on social environmental influences. First, we review the basic biology of epigenetic modification of DNA and debate the role of early-life stressful, protective, and positive environments on gene-specific, system-specific, and whole-genome epigenetic patterns later in life. Second, we compare the epigenetic literatures of both humans and other animals and review the research linking epigenetic patterns to health in order to complete the mechanistic pathway. Third, we discuss physical environmental and social environmental effects, which have to date, generally not been jointly considered. Finally, we close with a discussion of the current state of the area's research, its future direction, and its potential use in pediatric health.

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Authors
Mitchell, C., Schneper, L. M., & Notterman, D. A.
Affiliations
  • University of Michigan (US)
  • Princeton University (US)
Venue
Pediatric Research
Published
2015-10-14
Volume
79
Issue
1-2
Pages
212-219
ISSN
  • 0031-3998 (ISSN-L)
  • 1530-0447
OpenAlex
W2270848678
Cited by
146
References
109
Citations by year
2026: 12 · 2025: 21 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 20 · 2020: 17 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 15 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 4
FWCI
0.90
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Pediatric Research (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
  • Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R01HD076592, P2CHD047879, P2CHD041028)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Birth, Development, and Health
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetic Syndromes and Imprinting
Keywords
DNA methylation, epigenetics, early life environment, early life stress, social environment, physical environment, health outcomes, gene-environment interaction, child health, developmental origins of health and disease
MeSH terms
Child Health, Child, Humans, Infant, Social Environment, DNA Methylation, Epigenesis, Genetic

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