Metabolic programming-knowns, unknowns and possibilities

Studies published in 2014 have helped in our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms by which suboptimal nutritional exposures during in utero development are transmitted to subsequent generations through the maternal and the paternal germlines. Advances include identification of common genetic loci that are vulnerable to the effects of in utero undernutrition and overnutrition, as well as those that are epigenetically modified tissue-wide.