Modulation of Fgf21 gene in early-life ameliorates adulthood diet-induced obesity

(Tokyo Medical and Dental University) The nutritional environment in early life can lead to epigenetic changes in the genome that influence the risk of obesity in later life. In a new study, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) researchers showed that the Fgf21gene undergoes PPARα-dependent DNA demethylation in the liver during the postnatal period and its status may persist into adulthood. Fgf21 methylation represents a form of epigenetic memory, and may play a role in the developmental ...