Methyl donor micronutrients orchestrate lipid metabolism: The role of DNA methylation modification

DNA methylation, a key epigenetic modification, plays a crucial role in regulating lipid metabolism. Consistent correlations have been observed between aberrant DNA methylation patterns and lipid metabolic disorders. Emerging evidence indicates that methyl donor micronutrients could influence DNA methylation patterns, consequently exerting an influence on lipid metabolism. Specifically, the deficiency or excesses of methyl donor micronutrients (folate, choline, betaine, B vitamins and methionine) have been associated with altered DNA methylation patterns linked to lipid metabolism. These alteration in DNA methylation levels, occurring globally and within promoter regions, could affect gene expression related to lipid metabolism. However, the mechanisms through which methyl donor micronutrients regulate lipid metabolism via the DNA methylation modification and the role of methyl donor micronutrients supplementation on DNA methylation profiles remain unclear. In this review, we summarized the regulatory role of DNA methylation in lipid metabolism, and highlighted recent findings investigating the impact of methyl donor micronutrients on lipid metabolism, as well as DNA methylation-mediated adipogenesis and adipose deposition. Taken together, this review deepened our understanding of how the complex interplay between methyl donor micronutrients, DNA methylation, and lipid metabolism, and provides valuable information for accurately regulating lipid metabolism of livestock and poultry, thereby improving meat quality, and promoting the development of animal husbandry.