Epigenetics and Metabolism in Health and Disease

TLDR

Metabolic disorders are projected to affect a billion people by 2030, driven by lifestyle factors, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear, with emerging evidence implicating chromatin changes and epigenetic enzymes in persistent dysregulated metabolism. This mini‑review aims to synthesize recent findings on the interplay between epigenetics and metabolic pathways at the cellular level and to identify potential alternative therapeutic strategies. The review compiles recent advances in elucidating how epigenetic modifications interact with cellular metabolic pathways and proposes new therapeutic avenues.

Abstract

In the next ten years, one billion people are estimated to suffer from disabling consequences of metabolic disorders, making them the number one non-communicable disease on a global scale by 2030. Lots of risk factors such as dietary intake, lack of exercise and other life style behaviors are considered to play a role in the development of metabolic disorders. Despite the efforts that have been undertaken to unravel their potential causes, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Evidence suggests that the pathogenesis involves changes on chromatin and chromatin-modifying enzymes, which can contribute to a persistent dysregulated metabolic phenotype. Indeed, a rising number of studies links epigenetic alterations with the diagnosis and prognosis of metabolic disorders. A prerequisite for exploiting these findings for pharmacological intervention is a detailed understanding of how differential epigenetic modifications control cell metabolism. In this mini review, we summarize the recent advances in uncovering the interplay between epigenetics and metabolic pathways on a cellular level and highlight potential new avenues for alternative treatment strategies.