Journal
NATURE REVIEWS NEUROSCIENCE
Volume 7, Issue 9, Pages 724-731Publisher
NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP
DOI: 10.1038/nrn1986
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Funding
- NINDS NIH HHS [R01 NS050249, R01 NS050249-01A1] Funding Source: Medline
- NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE [R01NS050249] Funding Source: NIH RePORTER
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Neural tube closure takes place during early embryogenesis and requires interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Failure of neural tube closure is a common congenital malformation that results in morbidity and mortality. A major clinical achievement has been the use of periconceptional folic acid supplements, which prevents similar to 50-75% of cases of neural tube defects. However, the mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of folic acid is far from clear. Biochemical, genetic and epidemiological observations have led to the development of the methylation hypothesis, which suggests that folic acid prevents neural tube defects by stimulating cellular methylation reactions. Exploring the methylation hypothesis could direct us towards additional strategies to prevent neural tube defects.
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