People conceived during Dutch famine have altered regulation of growth genes

Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - 16:00 in Biology & Nature

Individuals conceived in the severe Dutch Famine may have adjusted to this horrendous period of World War II by making adaptations to how active their DNA is. Genes involved in growth and development were differentially regulated, according to researchers. Extensive research on the DNA of these children shows that the regulatory systems of their growth genes were altered, which may also explain why they may be at higher risk for metabolic disease in later life.

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