Epigenetic Mechanisms: Role of DNA Methylation, Histone Modifications, and Imprinting

2008 ◽  
pp. 105-134
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.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Li ◽  
Yi Jin Liew ◽  
Guoxin Cui ◽  
Maha J Cziesielski ◽  
Noura Zahran ◽  
...  

The symbiotic relationship between cnidarians and dinoflagellates is the cornerstone of coral reef ecosystems. Although research is focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying this symbiosis, the role of epigenetic mechanisms, which have been implicated in transcriptional regulation and acclimation to environmental change, is unknown. To assess the role of DNA methylation in the cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis, we analyzed genome-wide CpG methylation, histone associations, and transcriptomic states of symbiotic and aposymbiotic anemones in the model systemAiptasia. We find methylated genes are marked by histone H3K36me3 and show significant reduction of spurious transcription and transcriptional noise, revealing a role of DNA methylation in the maintenance of transcriptional homeostasis. Changes in DNA methylation and expression show enrichment for symbiosis-related processes such as immunity, apoptosis, phagocytosis recognition and phagosome formation, and unveil intricate interactions between the underlying pathways. Our results demonstrate that DNA methylation provides an epigenetic mechanism of transcriptional homeostasis during symbiosis.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Jin Liew ◽  
Emily J. Howells ◽  
Xin Wang ◽  
Craig T. Michell ◽  
John A. Burt ◽  
...  

MainThe notion that intergenerational or transgenerational inheritance operates solely through genetic means is slowly being eroded: epigenetic mechanisms have been shown to induce heritable changes in gene activity in plants1,2and metazoans1,3. Inheritance of DNA methylation provides a potential pathway for environmentally induced phenotypes to contribute to evolution of species and populations1–4. However, in basal metazoans, it is unknown whether inheritance of CpG methylation patterns occurs across the genome (as in plants) or as rare exceptions (as in mammals)4. Here, we demonstrate genome-wide intergenerational transmission of CpG methylation patterns from parents to sperm and larvae in a reef-building coral. We also show variation in hypermethylated genes in corals from distinct environments, indicative of responses to variations in temperature and salinity. These findings support a role of DNA methylation in the transgenerational inheritance of traits in corals, which may extend to enhancing their capacity to adapt to climate change.


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.


2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 29732-29743 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Kaufman-Szymczyk ◽  
Grzegorz Majewski ◽  
Katarzyna Lubecka-Pietruszewska ◽  
Krystyna Fabianowska-Majewska

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.


Author(s):  
Benjamin P. Oldroyd ◽  
Boris Yagound

Eusocial insects can be defined as those that live in colonies and have distinct queens and workers. For most species, queens and workers arise from a common genome, and so caste-specific developmental trajectories must arise from epigenetic processes. In this review, we examine the epigenetic mechanisms that may be involved in the regulation of caste dimorphism. Early work on honeybees suggested that DNA methylation plays a causal role in the divergent development of queen and worker castes. This view has now been challenged by studies that did not find consistent associations between methylation and caste in honeybees and other species. Evidence for the involvement of methylation in modulating behaviour of adult workers is also inconsistent. Thus, the functional significance of DNA methylation in social insects remains equivocal. This article is part of the theme issue ‘How does epigenetics influence the course of evolution?’


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