Mitochondrial alteration in type 2 diabetes and obesity: An epigenetic link

Zhiyong Cheng, Fabio A. Almeida

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

78 Scopus citations

Abstract

The growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity is largely attributed to the current lifestyle of over-consumption and physical inactivity. As the primary platform controlling metabolic and energy homeostasis, mitochondria show aberrant changes in T2DM and obese subjects. While the underlying mechanism is under extensive investigation, epigenetic regulation is now emerging to play an important role in mitochondrial biogenesis, function, and dynamics. In line with lifestyle modifications preventing mitochondrial alterations and metabolic disorders, exercise has been shown to change DNA methylation of the promoter of PGC1α to favor gene expression responsible for mitochondrial biogenesis and function. In this article we discuss the epigenetic mechanism of mitochondrial alteration in T2DM and obesity, and the effects of lifestyle on epigenetic regulation. Future studies designed to further explore and integrate the epigenetic mechanisms with lifestyle modification may lead to interdisciplinary interventions and novel preventive options for mitochondrial alteration and metabolic disorders.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)890-897
Number of pages8
JournalCell Cycle
Volume13
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 15 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Epigenetic
  • Lifestyle
  • Mitochondrial alteration
  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

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