Role of Nutrients and physical activity in gene expression

In prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes, the regulation of gene expression in response to changes in nutrients is common and well documented. In multicellular organisms, nutrients are effectors of more complex functions, such as the stimulation of hormone synthesis and the secretion of neurotransmitters. Nutrients such as fatty acids and their metabolites, monosaccharides, amino acids, nucleotides and vitamins regulate gene expression of specific genes through cis-regulatory elements in the promoter region or altering the stability of messenger(m)RNA. We recently reviewed several examples of regulation of gene expression by micro- and macro-nutrients. We herein expand on the issue of the regulation of gene expression by nutrients during physical activity, and summarize recent insights from our own research into regulation of gene expression by polyunsaturated fatty acids. Finally we will here highlight how the intake of specific nutrients may condition the expression opf a specific genotype, an example of the expanding interest in the area of nutrigenetics.