Environmental Exposures and Gene Regulation in Disease Etiology
2007

Environmental Exposures and Gene Regulation in Disease Etiology

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Thea M. Edwards, John Peterson Myers

Primary Institution: Department of Zoology, University of Florida

Hypothesis

How do environmental exposures affect gene expression and contribute to disease?

Conclusion

Environmental factors significantly influence gene regulation, which can lead to various diseases.

Supporting Evidence

  • Environmental exposures can change gene expression through various mechanisms.
  • Chemicals like pesticides and air pollutants are linked to serious diseases.
  • DNA methylation changes can affect fetal development and lead to adult diseases.
  • Maternal diet can influence the health of offspring through epigenetic changes.
  • Chronic exposure to cadmium is associated with diabetes and other health issues.
  • Endocrine disruptors can alter gene expression and immune responses.

Takeaway

Things in our environment, like chemicals and pollution, can change how our genes work and make us sick.

Methodology

The authors reviewed studies from Web of Science and other references to explore gene regulatory mechanisms affected by environmental exposures.

Limitations

The review is based on existing studies and may not cover all relevant research.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1289/ehp.9951

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