How Do Maternal Factors Influence Epigenetic Modifications?
Maternal factors such as nutrition, stress, and exposure to environmental toxins can significantly influence the epigenetic landscape of the developing fetus. For instance, maternal malnutrition has been linked to altered DNA methylation patterns in the fetus, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes later in life. Similarly, maternal stress can lead to changes in histone modifications, affecting fetal brain development and increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.
