Prof William E. Farrell
Dept of Human Disease & Genomics, Institute for Science & Technology
Keele University
Stoke on Trent, UK
http://www.keele.ac.uk/cancer_research/istm/FEG/
Project title
Effect of maternal folate intake on fetal methylation and gene expression patterns of growth regulatory genes: A whole genome approach (2008/15)
Scientific abstract
Maternal wellbeing and nutrition are fundamental determinants of foetal health. For example, it is recognised that the risk of neural tube defects is significantly reduced in the children born to pregnant women taking folate supplementation. This has subsequently led to a drive for folate addition to other foodstuffs. However, there is accumulating evidence that recognised benefits should be weighed against potential risks. Animal data show that folate-rich diets during pregnancy alter the expression of foetal genes and offspring phenotype. Given the short time over which guidance has been implemented, and the long lag period for some effects, lack of understanding of the long-term implications of current policies could seriously impact on future cancer risk for the unborn child or on subsequent generations.
This project, employing an unbiased “whole-genome approach”, examines the effect of early maternal folate intake on the foetal (cord blood-derived) epigenome. For the first time it examines the methylation status of all known gene regulatory CpG islands. This will allow identification of novel key genes and allow correlation with markers of folate intake, metablism and genetic variation in members of the folate metabolic pathway to be assessed. These data will inform national policies regarding supplementation and maternal nutrition.
Project plain language abstract
The mother’s health and nutrition is critical to the wellbeing of the unborn child. In 1991, a Medical Research Council study showed a significant reduction in the risk of spina bifida in the children of women taking the vitamin supplement, folic acid, during pregnancy. This and other reports led to the Department of Health recommending supplementation for all pregnant women and subsequently to addition of folate to other foodstuffs (eg bread, cereals). While the benefits of these policies are recognised, there is evidence that caution should be exercised. Some reseach shows that diets containing high folic acid levels during pregnancy alter the activity of genes involved in cancer and affect certain characteristics in the offspring. Given the short time over which recomendations have been implemented, and the fact that cancer often develops late in life, pursuing current policy without understanding the long-term implications could seriously affect future cancer risk. This project, using state-of-the-art screening techniques, examines the effect of folic acid intake during pregancy on the activities of genes involved in cancer. It also examines the impact of mutations in genes involved in the metabolism of folic acid. This data will inform national policies regarding supplementation and maternal nutrition.
| Institution and Location | Degree | Year | Scientific Field |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Liverpool, UK | BSc Hons (first class) | 1986 | Medical Cell Biology |
| University of Manchester, UK | PhD | 1990 | Molecular Biology |
| 2004–present | Professor of Human Genomics University of Keele, UK |
| 2001–2004 | Reader University of Keele, UK |
| 1998–2001 | Senior Lecturer University of Keele, UK |
| 1994–1998 | Lecturer University of Keele, UK |
| 1990–1993 | Lecturer Liverpool John Moores University, UK |
Research interests
Epigenetics.
