Figure 1.

Epigenetic gene regulation in congenital epigenetic diseases and acquired epigenetic disorders. (A) Deficiency of DNA-binding protein or DNA methylation causes Rett syndrome (an ASD) or ICF syndrome (an immunodeficiency disease), respectively. Congenital aberrant DNA methylation due to genomic imprinting error causes Prader-Willi syndrome; and (B) Various environmental factors such as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), hyponutrition, and mental stress are known to alter epigenetic status, resulting in aberrant gene expression.