Perspectives on folate with special reference to epigenetics and neural tube defects

Folate is a micronutrient essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, fetal growth and development. Folate deficiency leads to genomic instability. Inadequate intake of folate during conception may lead to neural tube defects (NTDs) in the offspring. Folate influences the DNA methylation, histone methylation and homocysteine mediated gene methylation. DNA methylation influences the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs). Folate deficiency may be associated with miRNAs misregulation leading to NTDs. Mitochondrial epigenetics and folate metabolism has proved to be involved in embryogenesis and neural tube development. Folate related genetic variants also cause the occurrence of NTDs. Unmetabolized excessive folate may affect health adversely. Hence estimation of folate levels in the blood plays an important role in high-risk cases. •Folate plays an important role in DNA homeostasis, stability, and repair.•Defective folate intake increases the risk for neural tube defects under the influence of epigenetic modifications.•Mitochondria plays a crucial role in folate dependent one carbon metabolism.•Gene polymorphism caused by folate deficiency may also result in the development of neural tube defects during conception.•Blood folate levels need to be monitored in high risk cases since both deficiency and excess are harmful.