Persistent Epigenetic Differences Associated with Prenatal Exposure to Famine in Humans
Prenatal famine exposure caused persistent epigenetic changes detectable 60 years later
This landmark study on the Dutch Hunger Winter (1944-45) provides the first empirical evidence that early-life environmental conditions cause persistent epigenetic changes in humans. Researchers found that individuals prenatally exposed to famine had, 60 years later, less DNA methylation of the IGF2 gene compared to unexposed siblings.
For business leaders, this research validates the concept that organizational 'culture' operates epigenetically - environmental conditions during formative periods create persistent regulatory states that affect how organizational DNA expresses. Acquired companies, like offspring conceived during famine, may carry epigenetic marks from their early environment that persist even after conditions change.
Key Findings from Heijmans et al. (2008)
- Prenatal famine exposure caused persistent epigenetic changes detectable 60 years later
- Affected individuals had less DNA methylation of the IGF2 gene
- Effects were specific to timing of exposure during pregnancy
- First empirical evidence of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in humans