In utero supplementation with methyl donors enhances allergic airway disease in mice.

ABSTRACT: Asthma is a complex heritable disease that is increasing in prevalence and severity, particularly in developed countries such as the United States, where 11% of the population is affected. The contribution of environmental and genetic factors to this growing epidemic is currently not well understood. We developed the hypothesis, based on previous literature, that changes in DNA methylation resulting in aberrant gene transcription may enhance the risk of developing allergic airway disease. Our findings indicate that in mice, a maternal diet supplemented with methyl donors enhanced the severity of allergic airway disease that was inherited transgenerationally. Using a genomic approach, we discovered 82 gene-associated loci that were differentially methylated after in utero supplementation wi

SUBMITTER: Hollingsworth JW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2542847 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature