Epigenetic contributions to the developmental origins of adult lung disease

• Published in: Biochemistry and cell biology Vol. 93; no. 2; pp. 119 - 127
• Main Authors: Joss-Moore, Lisa A, Lane, Robert H, Albertine, Kurt H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada NRC Research Press 01.04.2015; Canadian Science Publishing NRC Research Press
• Subjects: Adult; Animals; Cellular biology; Development and progression; Disease Models, Animal; DNA methylation; DNA Methylation - genetics; Epigenesis, Genetic; Epigenetic inheritance; Epigenetics; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Genetic aspects; Genomics; Histones - genetics; Humans; Identification and classification; Lung - embryology; Lung diseases; Lung Diseases - embryology; Male; Mice; MicroRNAs; MicroRNAs - genetics; Pathology; Pregnancy; Rats; Sheep; développement pulmonaire; epigenetic; developmental origins; origines développementales; programmation; lung development; programming; épigénétique
• ISSN: 0829-8211; 1208-6002
• DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2014-0093

Perinatal insults, including intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, maternal exposure to toxins, or dietary deficiencies produce deviations in the epigenome of lung cells. Occurrence of perinatal insults often coincides with the final stages of lung development. The result of epigenome disruptions in response to perinatal insults during lung development may be long-term structural and functional impairment of the lung and development of lung disease. Understanding the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to life-long lung disease following perinatal insults is the focus of the developmental origins of adult lung disease field. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA changes are all observed in various forms of lung disease. However, the perinatal contribution to such epigenetic mechanisms is poorly understood. Here we discuss the developmental origins of adult lung disease, the interplay between perinatal events, lung development and disease, and the role that epigenetic mechanisms play in connecting these events.