An Investigation of Intergenerational Inheritance of Epigenetic Marks from Obese Father to Growth Restricted Offspring
We have shown that obese men with insulin-resistance are at risk of fathering growth-restricted babies with epigenetic changes to metabolism-controlling genes. Hillman S. et al. Diabetes Care 2013; 36: 1675-1680 and Hillman SL. et al. and Epigenetics 2015; 10:50-61).
In collaboration with Professor Vardhman Rakyan’s group at QMUL and Dr Michelle Holland at Kings College London, we are funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC/P011799/1) (£903,026) to investigate epigenetic marks (DNA methylation) associated with paternal obesity and whether they can be reversed by weight loss. Â
We are also investigating whether there is evidence of intergenerational inheritance of acquired epigenetic marks from obese fathers to growth-restricted babies. If so, could pre-conception paternal weight loss improve pregnancy outcomes?