scholarly journals Epigenetics and Autoimmune Diseases

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Quintero-Ronderos ◽  
Gladis Montoya-Ortiz
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Nucleotide Sequence ◽  
Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
Histone Modification ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Clinical Markers ◽  
Epigenetic Research

Epigenetics is defined as the study of all inheritable and potentially reversible changes in genome function that do not alter the nucleotide sequence within the DNA. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modification, nucleosome positioning, and microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential to carry out key functions in the regulation of gene expression. Therefore, the epigenetic mechanisms are a window to understanding the possible mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of complex diseases such as autoimmune diseases. It is noteworthy that autoimmune diseases do not have the same epidemiology, pathology, or symptoms but do have a common origin that can be explained by the sharing of immunogenetic mechanisms. Currently, epigenetic research is looking for disruption in one or more epigenetic mechanisms to provide new insights into autoimmune diseases. The identification of cell-specific targets of epigenetic deregulation will serve us as clinical markers for diagnosis, disease progression, and therapy approaches.

scholarly journals Unfolding the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis through epigenomics

STEMedicine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. e5
Author(s):  
Xiuzhi Jia ◽  
Hao Cheng ◽  
Ying Xiao
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
Environmental Stress ◽  
Histone Modification ◽  
Immune Dysregulation ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Internal Organs ◽  
Current Information ◽  
Epigenetic Alteration

As a group of autoimmune diseases, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc) is characterized by immune dysregulation, micro-vessels dominant obliteration, and the final fibrosis of the skin and or internal organs. Although the precise mechanisms are still unknown, increasing data shows that epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA (miRNA), are strictly related to the pathogenesis of scleroderma. Epigenetic mechanisms, which can link genetics and environmental stress, represents a promising field in systemic sclerosis investigation. The objective of this review is, to sum up the current information about epigenetic alteration.

scholarly journals The Use of Natural Products of Epigenetic Modulators in Anti-Cancer Drug Studies

Proceedings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Demokan
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Natural Products ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Histone Modifications ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Anti Cancer

The natural products obtained from plants, bacteria, fungi and marine have been used in the treatment of human diseases throughout the centuries. These compounds of them also interfere with the expression of genes by influencing epigenetic mechanisms. Recent researches showed significant outcomes suggesting that epigenetic silencing of the main regulatory genesis a sign of cancer onset and its progression. Epigenetic mechanisms that regulate expression of genes without mutation in the DNA are carried through DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling and RNA interference. DNA methylation observed in the promoter regions of genes and prevents binding of the transcription factors by suppressing gene expression or by altering the nucleosome package of DNA, and may also directly inhibit transcription. Plant based products, such as curcumin, flavonoids, genistein, have been shown to exhibit cytostatic and apoptotic activities by influencing DNA methylation-based gene expression regulation in tumor cells. Additionally, natural products such as sulforaphane, retinoic acid, cucurbitacin B, casein Q, parthenolide, folate, cobalamin, pyridoxine and methionine also are used as anti-cancer agents based on DNA methylation. On the other hand, microRNAs (miRNAs) play a particular role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in post-transcription and post-translation processes. Quercetin, tryptolide, and honokiol are the natural compounds used in miRNA based agents. Histone modifications, which also affect the chromatin structure, play an important role in the initiation and progression of carcinogenesis as well as regulation of gene expression. As expected particular inhibitors of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes which are responsible of histone modifications have been developed for epigenetic intervention in cancer treatment. Numerous natural compounds are known to affect histone-modifying enzymes; such as romidepsin, epigallocatechingallate (EGCG), daidzein, sulphorafane, glucoraphanin, parthenolide, triptolide, sinapinic acid. Natural epigenetic modulators developed for epigenetic mechanisms enable the destruction of apoptotic, necrotic or autophagic pathways of tumor cells. Beside epigenetic mechanisms, these products exert their effects through influencing the cell cycle, DNA repair, and epigenetic mechanisms which modulate gene expression. More extensive in vitro and in vivo studies are required to investigate the effect of natural product-based epigenetic agents which seems to be very promising for future cancer treatment approaches.

scholarly journals Contribution of Dysregulated DNA Methylation to Autoimmunity

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (21) ◽  
pp. 11892
Author(s):  
Samanta C. Funes ◽  
Ayleen Fernández-Fierro ◽  
Diego Rebolledo-Zelada ◽  
Juan P. Mackern-Oberti ◽  
Alexis M. Kalergis
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Alterations ◽  
Development And Differentiation ◽  
Differential Gene ◽  
The Impact

Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs are known regulators of gene expression and genomic stability in cell growth, development, and differentiation. Because epigenetic mechanisms can regulate several immune system elements, epigenetic alterations have been found in several autoimmune diseases. The purpose of this review is to discuss the epigenetic modifications, mainly DNA methylation, involved in autoimmune diseases in which T cells play a significant role. For example, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus display differential gene methylation, mostly hypomethylated 5′-C-phosphate-G-3′ (CpG) sites that may associate with disease activity. However, a clear association between DNA methylation, gene expression, and disease pathogenesis must be demonstrated. A better understanding of the impact of epigenetic modifications on the onset of autoimmunity will contribute to the design of novel therapeutic approaches for these diseases.

scholarly journals Dynamic changes in DNA methylation during seahorse (Hippocampus reidi) postnatal development and settlement

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Suarez-Bregua ◽  
Sofia Rosendo ◽  
Pilar Comesaña ◽  
Lucia Sánchez-Ruiloba ◽  
Paloma Morán ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Postnatal Development ◽  
Expression Analysis ◽  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Dna Methyltransferases ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Competent Larva

Abstract Introduction Most living marine organisms have a biphasic life cycle dependent on metamorphosis and settlement. These critical life-history events mean that a developmentally competent larva undergoes a range of coordinated morphological and physiological changes that are in synchrony with the ecological transition from a pelagic to a benthonic lifestyle. Therefore, transition from a pelagic to a benthonic habitat requires multiple adaptations, however, the underlying mechanisms regulating this process still remains unclear. Epigenetic regulation and specifically DNA methylation, has been suggested to be particularly important for organisms to adapt to new environments. Seahorses (Family Syngnathidae, Genus Hippocampus) are a fascinating group of fish, distinguished by their unique anatomical features, reproductive strategy and behavior. They are unique among vertebrate species due to their “male pregnancy”, where males nourish developing embryos and larvae in a brood pouch until hatching and parturition occurs. After birth, free-swimming offspring are pelagic and subsequently they change into a demersal lifestyle. Therefore, to begin to address the question whether epigenetic processes could be involved in the transition from a planktonic to a benthonic lifestyle observed in seahorses, we studied global DNA methylation profiles in a tropical seahorse species (Hippocampus reidi) during postnatal development and settlement. Results We performed methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) along with quantitative expression analysis for genes suggested to be involved in the methylation machinery at six age groups: 1, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 days after male’s pouch release (DAR). Results revealed that the H. reidi genome has a significantly different DNA methylation profile during postnatal development and settlement on demersal habitats. Moreover, gene expression analysis showed up- and down-regulation of specific DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) encoding genes. Conclusion Our data show that the differences in the DNA methylation patterns seen among developmental stages and during the transition from a pelagic to a benthonic lifestyle suggest a potential for epigenetic regulation of gene expression (through DNA methylation) in this species. Therefore, epigenetic mechanisms could be necessary for seahorse settlement. Nevertheless, if these epigenetic mechanisms come from internal or if they are initiated via external environmental cues should be further investigated.

scholarly journals DNA methylation and regulation of gene expression: Guardian of our health

The Nucleus ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaurab Aditya Dhar ◽  
Shagnik Saha ◽  
Parama Mitra ◽  
Ronita Nag Chaudhuri
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression

scholarly journals TET2 coactivates gene expression through demethylation of enhancers

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (11) ◽  
pp. eaau6986 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Wang ◽  
Patrick A. Ozark ◽  
Edwin R. Smith ◽  
Zibo Zhao ◽  
Stacy A. Marshall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Estrogen Receptor Α ◽  
Dna Demethylation ◽  
Estrogen Response ◽  
Dna Base ◽  
Modified Dna ◽  
Global Increase ◽  
Methylation Patterns

The tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) enzyme catalyzes the conversion of the modified DNA base 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. TET2 is frequently mutated or dysregulated in multiple human cancers, and loss of TET2 is associated with changes in DNA methylation patterns. Here, using newly developed TET2-specific antibodies and the estrogen response as a model system for studying the regulation of gene expression, we demonstrate that endogenous TET2 occupies active enhancers and facilitates the proper recruitment of estrogen receptor α (ERα). Knockout of TET2 by CRISPR-CAS9 leads to a global increase of DNA methylation at enhancers, resulting in attenuation of the estrogen response. We further identified a positive feedback loop between TET2 and ERα, which further requires MLL3 COMPASS at these enhancers. Together, this study reveals an epigenetic axis coordinating a transcriptional program through enhancer activation via DNA demethylation.

scholarly journals DNA Methylation Pattern in Overweight Women under an Energy-Restricted Diet Supplemented with Fish Oil

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cátia Lira do Amaral ◽  
Fermín I. Milagro ◽  
Rui Curi ◽  
J. Alfredo Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Fish Oil ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Energy Restriction ◽  
Dietary Factors ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Overweight Women ◽  
Fish Oil Supplementation

Dietary factors modulate gene expression and are able to alter epigenetic signatures in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). However, there are limited studies about the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) on the epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene expression. This research investigates the effects ofn-3-rich fish oil supplementation on DNA methylation profile of several genes whose expression has been reported to be downregulated byn-3 PUFA in PBMC:CD36,FFAR3,CD14,PDK4, andFADS1. Young overweight women were supplemented with fish oil or control in a randomized 8-week intervention trial following a balanced diet with 30% energy restriction. Fatty acid receptorCD36decreased DNA methylation at CpG +477 due to energy restriction. Hypocaloric diet-induced weight loss also reduced the methylation percentages of CpG sites located inCD14,PDK4, andFADS1. The methylation patterns of these genes were only slightly affected by the fish oil supplementation, being the most relevant to the attenuation of the weight loss-induced decrease inCD36methylation after adjusting by baseline body weight. These results suggest that then-3 PUFA-induced changes in the expression of these genes in PBMC are not mediated by DNA methylation, although other epigenetic mechanisms cannot be discarded.

scholarly journals Architectural Epigenetics: Mitotic Retention of Mammalian Transcriptional Regulatory Information

2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (20) ◽  
pp. 4758-4766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sayyed K. Zaidi ◽  
Daniel W. Young ◽  
Martin Montecino ◽  
Jane B. Lian ◽  
Janet L. Stein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Cellular Phenotype ◽  
Transcriptional Regulatory ◽  
Regulatory Information ◽  
Cellular Identity ◽  
Epigenetic Signatures ◽  
Transcription Factor Occupancy

ABSTRACT Epigenetic regulatory information must be retained during mammalian cell division to sustain phenotype-specific and physiologically responsive gene expression in the progeny cells. Histone modifications, DNA methylation, and RNA-mediated silencing are well-defined epigenetic mechanisms that control the cellular phenotype by regulating gene expression. Recent results suggest that the mitotic retention of nuclease hypersensitivity, selective histone marks, as well as the lineage-specific transcription factor occupancy of promoter elements contribute to the epigenetic control of sustained cellular identity in progeny cells. We propose that these mitotic epigenetic signatures collectively constitute architectural epigenetics, a novel and essential mechanism that conveys regulatory information to sustain the control of phenotype and proliferation in progeny cells by bookmarking genes for activation or suppression.

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