Epigenetics of hepatic insulin resistance
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Maude, Hannah
Sanchez Cabanillas, Claudia
Cebola, Ines
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Insulin resistance (IR) is largely recognized as a unifying feature that underlies metabolic dysfunction. Both lifestyle and genetic factors contribute to IR. Work from recent years has demonstrated that the epigenome may constitute an interface where different signals may converge to promote IR gene expression programs. Here, we review the current knowledge of the role of epigenetics in hepatic IR, focusing on the roles of DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications. We discuss the broad epigenetic changes observed in the insulin resistant liver and its associated pathophysiological states and leverage on the wealth of ‘omics’ studies performed to discuss efforts in pinpointing specific loci that are disrupted by these changes. We envision that future studies, with increased genomic resolution and larger cohorts, will further the identification of biomarkers of early onset hepatic IR and assist the development of targeted interventions. Furthermore, there is growing evidence to suggest that persistent epigenetic marks may be acquired over prolonged exposure to disease or deleterious exposures, highlighting the need for preventative medicine and long-term lifestyle adjustments to avoid irreversible or long-term alterations in gene expression.
Date Issued
2021-05
Date Acceptance
2021-04-20
Citation
Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2021, 12, pp.1-24
ISSN
1664-2392
Publisher
Frontiers Media
Start Page
1
End Page
24
Journal / Book Title
Frontiers in Endocrinology
Volume
12
Copyright Statement
© 2021 Maude, Sanchez-Cabanillas and Cebola. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
License URL
Sponsor
Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH)
The Academy of Medical Sciences
Identifier
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.681356/full
Grant Number
RFP16
REF:SBF005\1050
Subjects
1103 Clinical Sciences
1111 Nutrition and Dietetics
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
681356
Date Publish Online
2021-05-11