Neonatal Medical Center, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital 1192 Nagaoka, Izunokuni, Shizuoka 410-2295, Japan
Short Commentary
Commentary of Expertise on the Epigenetic Program during Intrauterine Development
Author(s): Masato Kantake*
Preterm infants reflect the influences of their early intrauterine environment at birth and are placed in a nonphysiological
environment after birth. We have studied the epigenetics of the Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) and
the Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1) gene, which are important in later life. Our studies indicate that these
genes are mainly modified epigenetically after birth. The postnatal environment overlaps the prenatal condition,
causing modification of these genes. Our studies may imply an adult disease onset model and a critical view on
transgenerational inheritance in humans through epigenetic changes in gametes. .. View more»