Epigenetics

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steffen Gay ◽  
Michel Neidhart
Keyword(s):  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Pathological Process ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Changes ◽  
Therapeutic Concept ◽  
Methyl Donors ◽  
Chromatin Folding ◽  
Eukaryotic Organisms

In higher eukaryotic organisms epigenetic modifications are crucial for proper chromatin folding and thereby proper regulation of gene expression. Epigenetics include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs. First described in tumors, the involvement of aberrant epigenetic modifications has been reported also in other diseases, i.e. metabolic, psychiatric, inflammatory, and autoimmune. Deregulation of epigenetic mechanisms occurred in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and scleroderma. Many questions remain: e.g. what is the cause of these epigenetic changes and how can we interfere in the pathological process? Here we discuss whether supplementation with methyl donors could represent a novel therapeutic concept for such diseases.

Epigenetics

2013 ◽  
pp. 296-306
Author(s):  
Steffen Gay ◽  
Michel Neidhart
Keyword(s):  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Pathological Process ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Therapeutic Concept ◽  
Methyl Donors ◽  
Chromatin Folding ◽  
Eukaryotic Organisms ◽  
Novel Therapeutic

In higher eukaryotic organisms epigenetic modifications are crucial for proper chromatin folding and thereby proper regulation of gene expression. Epigenetics include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs. First described in tumors, the involvement of aberrant epigenetic modifications has been reported also in other diseases, i.e. metabolic, psychiatric, inflammatory, and autoimmune. Deregulation of epigenetic mechanisms occurred in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and scleroderma. Many questions remain: e.g. what is the cause of these epigenetic changes and how can we interfere in the pathological process? Here we discuss whether supplementation with methyl donors could represent a novel therapeutic concept for such diseases.

scholarly journals Epigenetic Regulation of Gene Expression in Physiological and Pathological Brain Processes

2011 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 603-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Gräff ◽  
Dohoon Kim ◽  
Matthew M. Dobbin ◽  
Li-Huei Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Epigenetic Machinery ◽  
Complex Functions ◽  
Cell Type Specific ◽  
Neuronal Functions ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Unique Potential

Over the past decade, it has become increasingly obvious that epigenetic mechanisms are an integral part of a multitude of brain functions that range from the development of the nervous system over basic neuronal functions to higher order cognitive processes. At the same time, a substantial body of evidence has surfaced indicating that several neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders are in part caused by aberrant epigenetic modifications. Because of their inherent plasticity, such pathological epigenetic modifications are readily amenable to pharmacological interventions and have thus raised justified hopes that the epigenetic machinery provides a powerful new platform for therapeutic approaches against these diseases. In this review, we give a detailed overview of the implication of epigenetic mechanisms in both physiological and pathological brain processes and summarize the state-of-the-art of “epigenetic medicine” where applicable. Despite, or because of, these new and exciting findings, it is becoming apparent that the epigenetic machinery in the brain is highly complex and intertwined, which underscores the need for more refined studies to disentangle brain-region and cell-type specific epigenetic codes in a given environmental condition. Clearly, the brain contains an epigenetic “hotspot” with a unique potential to not only better understand its most complex functions, but also to treat its most vicious diseases.

scholarly journals Epigenetic Regulation of Inflammatory Responses in the Context of Physical Activity

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1313
Author(s):  
Maciej Tarnowski ◽  
Patrycja Kopytko ◽  
Katarzyna Piotrowska
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Changes ◽  
Tissue Responses ◽  
Inflammatory Milieu ◽  
Immunological System

Epigenetic modifications occur in response to environmental changes and play a fundamental role in the regulation of gene expression. PA is found to elicit an inflammatory response, both from the innate and adaptive divisions of the immunological system. The inflammatory reaction is considered a vital trigger of epigenetic changes that in turn modulate inflammatory actions. The tissue responses to PA involve local and general changes. The epigenetic mechanisms involved include: DNA methylation, histone proteins modification and microRNA. All of them affect genetic expression in an inflammatory milieu in physical exercise depending on the magnitude of physiological stress experienced by the exerciser. PA may evoke acute or chronic biochemical and physiological responses and have a positive or negative immunomodulatory effect.

scholarly journals Epigenetics of obesity

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 2632
Author(s):  
O. M. Drapkina ◽  
O. T. Kim
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Deoxyribonucleic Acid ◽  
Fat Distribution ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Changes ◽  
Critical Periods ◽  
Affect Gene Expression

The pathophysiology of obesity is complex and includes changes in eating behavior, genetic, epigenetic, environmental factors, and much more. To date, ~40 genetic polymorphisms are associated with obesity and fat distribution. However, since these options do not fully explain the inheritance of obesity, other options, such as epigenetic changes, need to be considered. Epigenetic modifications affect gene expression without changing the deoxyribonucleic acid sequence. In addition, environmental exposure during critical periods of development can affect the epigenetic tags and lead to obesity. A deeper understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms underlying obesity can aid in prevention based on lifestyle changes. This review focuses on the role of epigenetic modifications in the development of obesity and related conditions.

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 Repairing the Epigenetics of Unstable Repeats by Genome Engineering

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tayma Handal ◽  
Rachel Eiges
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Genome Engineering ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Repetitive Elements ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Changes ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Repeat Expansions ◽  
Heritable Mutation ◽  
Review Current

Epimutations are the cause of a considerable number of genetically inherited conditions in humans. All result from the mis-expression of genes due to epigenetic changes that are triggered by an underlying heritable mutation. The correction of these epigenetic defects in the context of epigenetically regulated diseases constitutes a good paradigm to probe the fundamental mechanisms underlying the development of these diseases, and the molecular basis for the establishment, maintenance and regulation of epigenetic modifications in general. Here, we review current applications of key editing tools to address the epigenetic aspects of these diseases by focusing on epimutations caused by, or relate to repetitive elements, primarily unstable noncoding repeat expansions. For each approach we summarize the efforts conducted to date, highlight their contribution to a better understanding of the molecular basis of epigenetic mechanisms, describe the limitations of each approach and suggest perspectives for further exploration in this field.

scholarly journals Unexplored Potentials of Epigenetic Mechanisms of Plants and Animals–-Theoretical Considerations

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. GEG.S11752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Istvan Seffer ◽  
Zoltan Nemeth ◽  
Gyula Hoffmann ◽  
Robert Matics ◽  
A. Gergely Seffer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Animal Cell ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Changes ◽  
Epigenetic Factors ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Eukaryotic Organisms ◽  
Theoretical Considerations

Morphological and functional changes of cells are important for adapting to environmental changes and associated with continuous regulation of gene expressions. Genes are regulated–in part–by epigenetic mechanisms resulting in alternating patterns of gene expressions throughout life. Epigenetic changes responding to the environmental and intercellular signals can turn on/off specific genes, but do not modify the DNA sequence. Most epigenetic mechanisms are evolutionary conserved in eukaryotic organisms, and several homologs of epigenetic factors are present in plants and animals. Moreover, in vitro studies suggest that the plant cytoplasm is able to induce a nuclear reassembly of the animal cell, whereas others suggest that the ooplasm is able to induce condensation of plant chromatin. Here, we provide an overview of the main epigenetic mechanisms regulating gene expression and discuss fundamental epigenetic mechanisms and factors functioning in both plants and animals. Finally, we hypothesize that animal genome can be repro-grammed by epigenetic factors from the plant protoplast.

scholarly journals Epigenetic linkage of systemic lupus erythematosus and nutrition

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-59
Author(s):  
Tatiana Montoya ◽  
María Luisa Castejón ◽  
Rocío Muñoz-García ◽  
Catalina Alarcón-de-la-Lastra
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Dietary Factors ◽  
Dietary Therapy ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Systemic Lupus

Abstract The term “epigenetics” refers to a series of meiotically/mitotically inheritable alterations in gene expression, related to environmental factors, without disruption on DNA sequences of bases. Recently, the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases (ADs) has been closely linked to epigenetic modifications. Actually, epigenetic mechanisms can modulate gene expression or repression of targeted cells and tissues involved in autoimmune/inflammatory conditions acting as keys effectors in regulation of adaptive and innate responses. ADs, as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a rare disease that still lacks effective treatment, is characterized by epigenetic marks in affected cells. Taking into account that epigenetic mechanisms have been proposed as a winning strategy in the search of new more specific and personalized therapeutics agents. Thus, pharmacology and pharmacoepigenetic studies about epigenetic regulations of ADs may provide novel individualized therapies. Focussing in possible implicated factors on development and predisposition of SLE, diet is feasibly one of the most important factors since it is linked directly to epigenetic alterations and these epigenetic changes may augment or diminish the risk of SLE. Nevertheless, several studies have guaranteed that dietary therapy could be a promise to SLE patients via prophylactic actions deprived of side effects of pharmacology, decreasing co-morbidities and improving lifestyle of SLE sufferers. Herein, we review and discuss the cross-link between epigenetic mechanisms on SLE predisposition and development, as well as the influence of dietary factors on regulation epigenetic modifications that would eventually make a positive impact on SLE patients.

scholarly journals The penetrance of an epigenetic trait in mice is progressively yet reversibly increased by selection and environment

2012 ◽  
Vol 279 (1737) ◽  
pp. 2347-2353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer E. Cropley ◽  
Thurston H. Y. Dang ◽  
David I. K. Martin ◽  
Catherine M. Suter
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Natural Selection ◽  
Environmental Cues ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Changes ◽  
Rapid Adaptation ◽  
Methyl Donors ◽  
Epigenetic State ◽  
Environmentally Responsive ◽  
Selection For

Natural selection acts on variation that is typically assumed to be genetic in origin. But epigenetic mechanisms, which are interposed between the genome and its environment, can create diversity independently of genetic variation. Epigenetic states can respond to environmental cues, and can be heritable, thus providing a means by which environmentally responsive phenotypes might be selectable independent of genotype. Here, we have tested the possibility that environment and selection can act together to increase the penetrance of an epigenetically determined phenotype. We used isogenic A vy mice, in which the epigenetic state of the A vy allele is sensitive to dietary methyl donors. By combining methyl donor supplementation with selection for a silent A vy allele, we progressively increased the prevalence of the associated phenotype in the population over five generations. After withdrawal of the dietary supplement, the shift persisted for one generation but was lost in subsequent generations. Our data provide the first demonstration that selection for a purely epigenetic trait can result in cumulative germline effects in mammals. These results present an alternative to the paradigm that natural selection acts only on genetic variation, and suggest that epigenetic changes could underlie rapid adaptation of species in response to natural environmental fluctuations.

scholarly journals Epigenetics in disease etiopathogenesis

Genetika ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 975-994
Author(s):  
Mila Glavaski ◽  
Karmen Stankov
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Bovine Milk ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Bone Diseases ◽  
Hereditary Diseases ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Changes

The term epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene expression that are not caused by modifications in DNA sequence. Epigenetic changes are DNA methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome positioning, and non-coding RNA (including microRNA) mediated modifications. Epigenetic mechanisms are involved in malignant diseases, imprinting defects, and some hereditary diseases. Recent research explained the role of epigenetic disorders in infections, autoimmune, neurodegenerative and bone diseases, as well as in psoriasis, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Epigenetic modifications have a potential clinical application as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and also as therapeutic targets in oncology, endocrinology, cardiology, and neuropsychiatry. Stress, anxiety, depression, emotions and many other psychological factors may affect epigenetic mechanisms. Influence of preconception parental stress exposure transmits to the next generation through epigenetic changes, as direct results of prenatal and postnatal environmental factors. Epigenetic changes identify environmental factors which affect health and cause disease onset. Milk is the sophisticated system of communication between mother and infant, operating via epigenetic mechanisms. Lifelong consumption of bovine milk causes epigenetic disorders. Recent studies provide important information about the role of bioactive dietary nutrients which modify epigenome in malignancy prevention and therapy. Any interruption in the balance of intestinal microbiota initiates aberrant epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic patterns act as the ?molecular watches? and they play the central role in the establishment of biological rhythms. Epigenetic mechanisms can determine the result of assisted reproductive technology and genetic engineering. The extensive research about the association of epigenetics and pharmacology led to the development of pharmacoepigenetics. All these results emphasize the importance of further research which will take into account all factors that may affect epigenetic mechanisms.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document