Open Access

Influence of epigenetics and microbiota in early‑life development: A possible role for exosomes (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Thanasis Mitsis
    • Eleni Papakonstantinou
    • Konstantina Dragoumani
    • George P. Chrousos
    • Dimitrios Vlachakis
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: May 13, 2024     https://doi.org/10.3892/ije.2024.22
  • Article Number: 3
  • Copyright : © Mitsis et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY 4.0].

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Abstract

Early‑life development has a direct effect on the long‑term health of an individual. Some of the main processes influencing early‑life development are epigenetic modifications, i.e., mechanisms that promote changes in gene expression in the context of the same DNA sequence, and changes in the human microbiota, i.e., living organisms located on or within humans with prime examples being the human microorganisms located in the human gastrointestinal system. These processes can be mediated by extracellular vesicles, which are essential agents of cell‑to‑cell communications. Exosomes, a subgroup of extracellular vesicles, are of particular interest in early life, since they have been shown to be associated with the development of infant immune response, neuronal function and metabolism. The present review summarizes the latest literature on the effects of epigenetic modifications and microbiota changes in early‑life development, and discusses the mechanisms through which exosomes may mediate such changes. A special mention is also made to human breast milk, since several of the benefits associated with breast feeding could be potentially linked with the microbiota and the exosomes it contains.
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January-December 2024
Volume 4 Issue 1

Print ISSN: 2752-5406
Online ISSN:2752-5414

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Spandidos Publications style
Mitsis T, Papakonstantinou E, Dragoumani K, Chrousos GP and Vlachakis D: Influence of epigenetics and microbiota in early‑life development: A possible role for exosomes (Review). Int J Epigen 4: 3, 2024.
APA
Mitsis, T., Papakonstantinou, E., Dragoumani, K., Chrousos, G.P., & Vlachakis, D. (2024). Influence of epigenetics and microbiota in early‑life development: A possible role for exosomes (Review). International Journal of Epigenetics, 4, 3. https://doi.org/10.3892/ije.2024.22
MLA
Mitsis, T., Papakonstantinou, E., Dragoumani, K., Chrousos, G. P., Vlachakis, D."Influence of epigenetics and microbiota in early‑life development: A possible role for exosomes (Review)". International Journal of Epigenetics 4.1 (2024): 3.
Chicago
Mitsis, T., Papakonstantinou, E., Dragoumani, K., Chrousos, G. P., Vlachakis, D."Influence of epigenetics and microbiota in early‑life development: A possible role for exosomes (Review)". International Journal of Epigenetics 4, no. 1 (2024): 3. https://doi.org/10.3892/ije.2024.22