Maternal folic acid impacts DNA methylation profile in male rat offspring implicated in neurodevelopment and learning/memory abilities

Background Periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation not only reduces the incidence of neural tube defects, but also improves cognitive performances in offspring. However, the genes or pathways that are epigenetically regulated by FA in neurodevelopment were rarely reported. Methods To elucidate the underlying mechanism, the effect of FA on the methylation profiles in brain tissue of male rat offspring was assessed by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation chip. Differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and gene network analysis were identified using DAVID and KEGG pathway analysis. Results Compared with the folate-normal diet group, 1939 DMGs were identified in the folate-deficient diet group, and 1498 DMGs were identified in the folate-supplemented diet group, among which 298 DMGs were overlapped. The pathways associated with neurodevelopment and learning/memory abilities were differentially methylated in response to maternal FA intake during pregnancy, and there were some identical and distinctive potential mechanisms under FA deficiency or FA-supplemented conditions. Conclusions In conclusion, genes and pathways associated with neurodevelopment and learning/memory abilities were differentially methylated in male rat offspring in response to maternal FA deficiency or supplementation during pregnancy.

Automated summary

Genes and pathways associated with neurodevelopment and learning/memory abilities were differentially methylated in male rat offspring in response to maternal FA deficiency or supplementation during pregnancy. The study identified 1939 DMGs in the folate-deficient diet group and 1498 DMGs in the folate-supplemented diet group, with 298 overlapping DMGs. The pathways linked to neurodevelopment and learning/memory abilities showed differential methylation patterns under varying maternal FA intake.