BIOLOGY 3UU3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Mecp2, Methylation, Continuous Spectrum
12 Apr 2017
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Document Summary
Maternal methyl supplements in mice affect epigenetic variation and dna methylation of offspring. Maternal dietary methyl supplements increase dna methylation in the agouti ltr and change the phenotype of offspring in the healthy, longer-lived direction. Methyl supplements have strong effects on dna methylation and phenotype and are likely to affect long-term health. How maternal diet affects the distribution of epigenetically determined phenotypes + dna methylation in offspring. Epigenetic variation likely key factor in mammalian health and life span variance: uncontrolled and unaccounted for in most populations, rarely present themselves in ways that are readily observed and quantified. 5-mc is the best characterised epigenetic mechanism in mammals. Levels of 5-mc are dependent on nutritional factors dietary folate, methionine and choline. No reason for thinking that nutritional requirements adequate for growth and reproduction are optimal for long-term health and longevity. The yellow agouti mouse: epigenetics linked to coat colour.
