274662 Environmental Epigenetics – Evidence and Challenges in Human Investigations

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 10:50 AM - 11:10 AM

Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhD , Department of Environmental Health. Department of Epidemiology. School of Public Health, Harvard, Boston, MA
Epigenetics investigates heritable changes in gene expression that occur without changes in DNA sequence. Several epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, can change genome function under exogenous influence. Results obtained from animal models indicate that in utero or early-life environmental exposures produce effects that can be inherited transgenerationally and are accompanied by epigenetic alterations. The search for human equivalents of the epigenetic mechanisms identified in animal models is in progress. I will present evidence from human environmental studies indicating that epigenetic alterations may mediate effects caused by exposure to environmental toxicants. In these investigations, we have shown that environmental exposures, including air pollution, lead, arsenic, nickel, and PAHs, are associated with altered methylation of human repetitive elements or genes. In recent preliminary studies, we have shown alterations of histone modifications and miRNAs in subjects exposed to metal-rich airborne particles. I will present original data demonstrating that altered DNA methylation in blood and other tissues is associated with environmentally-induced disease, such as cardiovascular disease and asthma. On the basis of current evidence, I will propose possible models for the interplay between environmental toxicants and the human epigenome.

Learning Areas:
Epidemiology

Learning Objectives:
Discuss how epigenetic mechanisms can change genome function under exogenous influence. Describe current evidence from human environmental studies indicating that epigenetic alterations may mediate effects caused by exposure to environmental toxicants.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the Mark and Catherine Winkler Associate Professor of Environmental Epigenetics and my laboratory of Human Environmental Epigenetics investigates the molecular mechanisms and biomarkers that reflect reprogramming of health and disease trajectories in response to environmental exposures. The laboratory research activities are specifically focused on epigenetics and environmental mitochondriomics.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.