Folate and epigenetic mechanisms in neural tube development and defects

Sivan Vadakkadath Meethal, Kirk J. Hogan, Chandra S. Mayanil, Bermans J. Iskandar*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple genetic and epigenetic factors involved in central nervous system (CNS) development influence the incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs). Discussion: The beneficial effect of periconceptional folic acid on NTD prevention denotes a vital role for the single-carbon biochemical pathway in NTD genesis. Indeed, NTDs are associated with polymorphisms in a diversity of genes that encode folate pathway enzymes. Recent evidence suggests that CNS development and function, and consequently NTDs, are also associated with epigenetic mechanisms, many of which participate in the folate cycle and its input and output pathways. We provide an overview with select examples drawn from the authors' research.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1427-1433
Number of pages7
JournalChild's Nervous System
Volume29
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2013

Keywords

  • Dysraphism
  • Epigenetics
  • Folic acid
  • Myelomeningocele
  • Neural tube defects

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Clinical Neurology

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