Roles for nutrients in epigenetic events

J Nutr Biochem. 2005 Feb;16(2):74-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2004.08.004.

Abstract

The field of epigenetics is the study of modifications of DNA and DNA-binding proteins that alter the structure of chromatin without altering the nucleotide sequence of DNA; some of these modifications may be associated with heritable changes in gene function. Nutrients play essential roles in the following epigenetic events. First, folate participates in the generation of S-adenosylmethionine, which acts as a methyl donor in the methylation of cytosines in DNA; methylation of cytosines is associated with gene silencing. Second, covalent attachment of biotin to histones (DNA-binding proteins) plays a role in gene silencing and in the cellular response to DNA damage. Third, tryptophan and niacin are converted to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which is a substrate for poly(ADP-ribosylation) of histones and other DNA-binding proteins; poly(ADP-ribosylation) of these proteins participates in DNA repair and apoptosis. Here we present a novel procedure to map nutrient-dependent epigenetic marks in the entire genomes of any given species: the combined use of chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and DNA microarrays. This procedure is also an excellent tool to map the enzymes that mediate modifications of DNA and DNA-binding proteins in chromatin. Given the tremendous opportunities offered by the combined use of chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and DNA microarrays, the nutrition community can expect seeing a surge of information related to roles for nutrients in epigenetic events.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Biotinylation
  • Chromatin / ultrastructure
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA Methylation
  • Genetic Phenomena*
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Immunosorbent Techniques
  • Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • Poly Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose / metabolism

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Histones
  • Poly Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose
  • DNA