Skip to main content

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • In Brief
  • Published:

Epigenetics

Transgenerational effects of in utero malnutrition

Nature Reviews Genetics volume 15, page 364 (2014)Cite this article

Subjects

Access through your institution
Buy or subscribe

In utero malnutrition of male mice (generation F1) can predispose their own offspring (F2) to metabolic disorders. Both generations were shown to have low birth weight, although over time the animals developed obesity and glucose intolerance. This metabolic change is linked to a change in DNA methylation — the epigenetic mark is notably present in the sperm of the F1 mice — and a reduction in expression of the liver X receptor alpha (Lxra) gene that is also maintained in the liver cells of the F2 generation.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Access through your institution

Buy this article

  • Purchase on SpringerLink
  • Instant access to full article PDF
Buy now

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

References

  1. Martínez, D. et al. In utero undernutrition in male mice programs liver lipid metabolism in the second-generation offspring involving altered Lxra DNA methylation. Cell Metab. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2014.03.026 (2014)

Download references

Authors
  1. Bryony Jones
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Jones, B. Transgenerational effects of in utero malnutrition. Nat Rev Genet 15, 364 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg3753

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg3753

Search

Advanced search

Quick links

Nature Briefing

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Get the most important science stories of the day, free in your inbox. Sign up for Nature Briefing