Environmental and Nutritional Effects Regulating Adipose Tissue Function and Metabolism Across Generations

Abstract

The unabated rise in obesity prevalence during the last 40 years has spurred substantial interest in understanding the reasons for this epidemic. Studies in mice and humans have demonstrated that obesity is a highly heritable disease; however genetic variations within specific populations have so far not been able to explain this phenomenon to its full extent. Recent work has demonstrated that environmental cues can be sensed by an organism to elicit lasting changes, which in turn can affect systemic energy metabolism by different epigenetic mechanisms such as changes in small noncoding RNA expression, DNA methylation patterns, as well as histone modifications. These changes can directly modulate cellular function in response to environmental cues, however research during the last decade has demonstrated that some of these modifications might be transmitted to subsequent generations, thus modulating energy metabolism of the progeny in an inter‐ as well as transgenerational manner. In this context, adipose tissue has become a focus of research due to its plasticity, which allows the formation of energy storing (white) as well as energy wasting (brown/brite/beige) cells within the same depot. In this Review, the effects of environmental induced obesity with a particular focus on adipose tissue are discussed.

Genomics and Epigenomics of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Understanding the Molecular Pathways of the Disease Pathogenesis

“…The environment and lifestyle can induce epigenetic changes, such as pollution, tobacco smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, and alcohol consumption [ 108 ]. Furthermore, exposure to such environmental factors can have a butterfly effect: epigenetic modifications may affect biological mechanisms, contributing to the pathogenesis of complex diseases [ 109 ]. Their exposure can also impact the epigenetic patterns of subsequent generations [ 109 ].…”

“…Furthermore, exposure to such environmental factors can have a butterfly effect: epigenetic modifications may affect biological mechanisms, contributing to the pathogenesis of complex diseases [ 109 ]. Their exposure can also impact the epigenetic patterns of subsequent generations [ 109 ]. According to Slupecka-Ziemilska et al, the first 1000 days of life, including the preconception and neonatal stages, can determine a person’s future chronic disease susceptibility [ 14 ].…”

The evolutionary significance of human brown adipose tissue: Integrating the timescales of adaptation

“…Key DNA methylation patterns distinguish brown and white adipocyte differentiation 101 . The DNA methylome of brown adipocytes is not only sensitive to environmental cues, it can pre‐program cellular function 102 .…”

Transcriptional and epigenetic control of adipocyte remodeling during obesity

“…Both consist of a pool of heterogeneous cell types that can be clustered into two main groups, mature adipocytes and the stromal vascular fraction (SVF). The mature adipocytes represent 20% to 30% of total cells, and the SVF is composed of mesenchymal stem cells, preadipocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, vascular progenitors, and immune cells, including macrophages, T cells, and B cells (4). WAT is characterized by white adipocytes containing unilocular lipid droplets and it has an extensive role in the storage and release of free fatty acids (FFAs) upon energetic request of the organism.…”