Vitamin D and its Effects on DNA Methylation in Development, Aging and Disease

DNA methylation is increasingly being recognised as a mechanism through which environmental exposures confer disease risk. Several studies have examined the association between vitamin D and changes in DNA methylation in areas as diverse as human and animal development, genomic stability, chronic disease risk and malignancy. In many cases, they have demonstrated clear associations between vitamin D and DNA methylation in candidate disease pathways. Despite this, a clear understanding of the mechanisms by which these factors interact is unclear. This paper reviews our current understanding of the effects of vitamin D on DNA methylation. In light of current knowledge in the field, the potential mechanisms mediating vitamin D effects on DNA methylation are discussed, as are the limiting factors and future avenues for research into this exciting area. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.