Epigenetic regulation of ILDR2 in the cord blood of obese mothers

Epigenetic modifications including DNA methylation have been shown to be involved in the fetal programming of disease. Previous animal studies have shown that reduced expression of the ILDR2 gene is associated with diabetes, dyslipidaemia and hepatic steatosis. Using fetal cord blood from obese and normal weight mothers, we identified differential methylation of the ILDR2 gene. This was associated with significant changes in ILDR2 mRNA expression, and changes in neonatal body weight. Our findings suggest that the offspring of obese mothers are at increased risk of metabolic consequences, and that epigenetic regulation of the ILDR2 gene may be involved.