Environmental Influences on the Epigenome: Exposure- Associated DNA Methylation in Human Populations

Posted: 18 Jun 2018

See all articles by Elizabeth M. Martin

Elizabeth M. Martin

University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill

Rebecca C. Fry

University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill - Gillings School of Global Public Health

Date Written: April 2018

Abstract

DNA methylation is the most well studied of the epigenetic regulators in relation to environmental exposures. To date, numerous studies have detailed the manner by which DNA methylation is influenced by the environment, resulting in altered global and gene-specific DNA methylation. These studies have focused on prenatal, early-life, and adult exposure scenarios. The present review summarizes currently available literature that demonstrates a relationship between DNA methylation and environmental exposures. It includes studies on aflatoxin B, air pollution, arsenic, bisphenol A, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, persistent organic pollutants, tobacco smoke, and nutritional factors. It also addresses gaps in the literature and future directions for research. These gaps include studies of mixtures, sexual dimorphisms with respect to environmentally associated methylation changes, tissue specificity, and temporal stability of the methylation marks.

Suggested Citation

Martin, Elizabeth M. and Fry, Rebecca C., Environmental Influences on the Epigenome: Exposure- Associated DNA Methylation in Human Populations (April 2018). Annual Review of Public Health, Vol. 39, pp. 309-333, 2018, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3197566 or http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-040617-014629

Elizabeth M. Martin (Contact Author)

University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill ( email )

102 Ridge Road
Chapel Hill, NC NC 27514
United States

Rebecca C. Fry

University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill - Gillings School of Global Public Health ( email )

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