scholarly journals DNA methylation: dynamic and stable regulation of memory

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 459-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Vaissière ◽  
Courtney A. Miller

AbstractEpigenetic mechanisms have emerged as a central process in learning and memory. Histone modifications and DNA methy­lation are epigenetic events that can mediate gene transcription. Interesting features of these epigenetic changes are their transient and long lasting potential. Recent advances in neuroscience suggest that DNA methylation is both dynamic and stable, mediating the formation and maintenance of memory. In this review, we will further illustrate the recent hypothesis that DNA methylation participates in the transcriptional regulation necessary for memory.

2017 ◽  
Vol 71 (0) ◽  
pp. 0-0
Author(s):  
Bogdan Kolarz ◽  
Maria Majdan

Epigenetics is a field of science which describes external and environmental modifications to DNA without altering their primary sequences of nucleotides. Contrary to genetic changes, epigenetic modifications are reversible. The epigenetic changes appear as a result of the influence of external factors, such as diet or stress. Epigenetic mechanisms alter the accessibility of DNA by methylation of DNA or post-translational modifications of histones (acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitinqation). The extent of DNA methylation depends on the balance between DNA methyltransferases and demethylases. The main histone modifications are stimulated by K-acetyltransferases, histone deacetylases, K-metyltransferases and K-demethylases. There is proof that environmental modifications of this enzymes regulate immunological processes including autoimmunity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this work we present epigenetic mechanisms involved in RA pathogenesis and a range of research presenting the possible impact of its modification in RA patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 386-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Lundstrom

Epigenetic mechanisms comprising of DNA methylation, histone modifications and gene silencing by RNA interference have been strongly linked to the development and progression of various diseases. These findings have triggered research on epigenetic functions and signal pathways as targets for novel drug discovery. Dietary intake has also presented significant influence on human health and disease development and nutritional modifications have proven important in prevention, but also the treatment of disease. Moreover, a strong link between nutrition and epigenetic changes has been established. Therefore, in attempts to develop novel safer and more efficacious drugs, both nutritional requirements and epigenetic mechanisms need to be addressed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (20) ◽  
pp. 10969
Author(s):  
Daniel Desaulniers ◽  
Paule Vasseur ◽  
Abigail Jacobs ◽  
M. Cecilia Aguila ◽  
Norman Ertych ◽  
...  

Epigenetics involves a series of mechanisms that entail histone and DNA covalent modifications and non-coding RNAs, and that collectively contribute to programing cell functions and differentiation. Epigenetic anomalies and DNA mutations are co-drivers of cellular dysfunctions, including carcinogenesis. Alterations of the epigenetic system occur in cancers whether the initial carcinogenic events are from genotoxic (GTxC) or non-genotoxic (NGTxC) carcinogens. NGTxC are not inherently DNA reactive, they do not have a unifying mode of action and as yet there are no regulatory test guidelines addressing mechanisms of NGTxC. To fil this gap, the Test Guideline Programme of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development is developing a framework for an integrated approach for the testing and assessment (IATA) of NGTxC and is considering assays that address key events of cancer hallmarks. Here, with the intent of better understanding the applicability of epigenetic assays in chemical carcinogenicity assessment, we focus on DNA methylation and histone modifications and review: (1) epigenetic mechanisms contributing to carcinogenesis, (2) epigenetic mechanisms altered following exposure to arsenic, nickel, or phenobarbital in order to identify common carcinogen-specific mechanisms, (3) characteristics of a series of epigenetic assay types, and (4) epigenetic assay validation needs in the context of chemical hazard assessment. As a key component of numerous NGTxC mechanisms of action, epigenetic assays included in IATA assay combinations can contribute to improved chemical carcinogen identification for the better protection of public health.


2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 59-76
Author(s):  
Lilia R Kutlyeva ◽  
Irina R Gilayzova ◽  
Rita I Khusainova ◽  
Elsa K Khusnutdinova

Epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation play a key role in carcinogenesis. This review will focus on the recent advances of epigenetic investigations in the development of human cancer. The role of histone modifications, genomic imprinting and DNA methylation in renal cell carcinoma development and progression will be considered.


Proceedings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Demokan

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S32-S33
Author(s):  
Morgan E Levine ◽  
Sara Hagg

Abstract Epigenetic changes are one of the Hallmarks of Aging. DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mark that has been shown to change during aging. Several "clocks" have been developed whereby changes in DNA methylation can be used to predict chronological, and perhaps, biological age. This symposium will focus on recent advances in understanding how and why changes in DNA methylation occur during aging and whether these changes play a causal role in age-related functional declines and disease.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (17) ◽  
pp. 6217
Author(s):  
Ismael Khouly ◽  
Rosalie Salus Braun ◽  
Michelle Ordway ◽  
Bradley Eric Aouizerat ◽  
Iya Ghassib ◽  
...  

Despite a number of reports in the literature on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in periodontal disease, a thorough assessment of the published studies is warranted to better comprehend the evidence on the relationship between epigenetic changes and periodontal disease and its treatment. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to identify and synthesize the evidence for an association between DNA methylation/histone modification and periodontal disease and its treatment in human adults. A systematic search was independently conducted to identify articles meeting the inclusion criteria. DNA methylation and histone modifications associated with periodontal diseases, gene expression, epigenetic changes after periodontal therapy, and the association between epigenetics and clinical parameters were evaluated. Sixteen studies were identified. All included studies examined DNA modifications in relation to periodontitis, and none of the studies examined histone modifications. Substantial variation regarding the reporting of sample sizes and patient characteristics, statistical analyses, and methodology, was found. There was some evidence, albeit inconsistent, for an association between DNA methylation and periodontal disease. IL6, IL6R, IFNG, PTGS2, SOCS1, and TNF were identified as candidate genes that have been assessed for DNA methylation in periodontitis. While several included studies found associations between methylation levels and periodontal disease risk, there is insufficient evidence to support or refute an association between DNA methylation and periodontal disease/therapy in human adults. Further research must be conducted to identify reproducible epigenetic markers and determine the extent to which DNA methylation can be applied as a clinical biomarker.


2019 ◽  
Vol 07 (01) ◽  
pp. 001-005
Author(s):  
Namita Sepolia ◽  
Deepti Jindal ◽  
Sandhya Kaushwaha ◽  
Varun Jindal ◽  
Monika Negi

AbstractEpigenetics is the study of potentially heritable changes in gene expression that does not involve changes in underlying DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in cellular proliferation, migration, and differentiation in both normal and neoplastic development. Epigenetic changes may be inherited and can occur during embryonal development or after birth. Once the change in DNA methylation takes place, following cell division the altered pattern is transferred into daughter cells by the action DNA methyltransferase enzyme, which recognizes hemi-methylated sites and methylates newly synthesized DNA formed during replication. Recently, it has been suggested that aberrant DNA methylation of cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) islands is a common event in odontogenic tumors. Expression of DNA methyltransferase 1,3A,3B has been noted in various odontogenic tumors. Thus, this review aims to study the various epigenetic pathways that are altered in odontogenic tumors.


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