/sci/ - Science & Math

>>7604084
IGF2 methylation is correlated strongly with intelligence.
> pic related

IGF2 is an important fetal growth factor and is important for the survival of hippocampal neurons in newborns


In women who were malnourished during pregnancy there is a persisting methylation pattern in their children that lasts for 60 years, suggesting that the IGF2 gene was over expressed during development to promote neuronal survival in a nutritionally sparse "in utero" environment (pic in the next post)

>>7599594
IGF2 and intelligence, the same gene effected by malnutrition

>>7548403
>>7548478
>>7548516

Additionally. A quick literature search shows low IGF2 methylation is associated with high IQ.

Using these two bits of information.

Malnutrition can affects IGF2 methylation.
IGF2 methylation is associated with intelligence.

Suddenly a possible mechanism for how malnutrition can affect intelligence through epigenetic mechanisms.

I would say that the reduced methylation of IGF2 was a compensatory mechanism due to a lack of nutrition so as to make sure the child reaches a certain threshold of brain development.

IGF2 is a key fetal growth factor; and promotes survival of newborn hippocampal neurons.