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

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