Role of Epigenetics in Cancer Genomics

2015 ◽  
pp. 234-246
Author(s):  
Amit Nagal
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Cancer Genomics ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Parallel Sequencing ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Epigenetic Analysis ◽  
Indispensable Tool ◽  
Day By Day

Epigenetics is the study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself. ChIP-seq, is a method used to analyze protein interactions with DNA. It is a type of epigenetic analysis technique. Chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with massive parallel sequencing (ChIP-seq) is gaining popularity day by day because of its clinical significance. It is a very effective tool in diagnosis of disease such as cancer. ChIP-seq is found to be very effective tool in understanding basic regulatory mechanism, cell differentiation study and studying disease processes with the decreasing cost of sequencing, ChIP-seq has become an indispensable tool for studying gene regulation and epigenetic mechanisms. The Present review explores epigenetic methods, pipeline and its role in cancer.

Role of small nuclear RNAs in eukaryotic gene expression

2013 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 79-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saba Valadkhan ◽  
Lalith S. Gunawardane
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Rna Stability ◽  
Splice Sites ◽  
Branch Site ◽  
Small Nuclear Rnas ◽  
Eukaryotic Gene Expression ◽  
Eukaryotic Gene ◽  
Rna Biogenesis

Eukaryotic cells contain small, highly abundant, nuclear-localized non-coding RNAs [snRNAs (small nuclear RNAs)] which play important roles in splicing of introns from primary genomic transcripts. Through a combination of RNA–RNA and RNA–protein interactions, two of the snRNPs, U1 and U2, recognize the splice sites and the branch site of introns. A complex remodelling of RNA–RNA and protein-based interactions follows, resulting in the assembly of catalytically competent spliceosomes, in which the snRNAs and their bound proteins play central roles. This process involves formation of extensive base-pairing interactions between U2 and U6, U6 and the 5′ splice site, and U5 and the exonic sequences immediately adjacent to the 5′ and 3′ splice sites. Thus RNA–RNA interactions involving U2, U5 and U6 help position the reacting groups of the first and second steps of splicing. In addition, U6 is also thought to participate in formation of the spliceosomal active site. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests additional roles for snRNAs in regulation of various aspects of RNA biogenesis, from transcription to polyadenylation and RNA stability. These snRNP-mediated regulatory roles probably serve to ensure the co-ordination of the different processes involved in biogenesis of RNAs and point to the central importance of snRNAs in eukaryotic gene expression.

scholarly journals Epigenetic mechanisms in sexual differentiation of the brain and behaviour

2016 ◽  
Vol 371 (1688) ◽  
pp. 20150114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy G. Forger
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Sexual Differentiation ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanism ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
The Brain

Circumstantial evidence alone argues that the establishment and maintenance of sex differences in the brain depend on epigenetic modifications of chromatin structure. More direct evidence has recently been obtained from two types of studies: those manipulating a particular epigenetic mechanism, and those examining the genome-wide distribution of specific epigenetic marks. The manipulation of histone acetylation or DNA methylation disrupts the development of several neural sex differences in rodents. Taken together, however, the evidence suggests there is unlikely to be a simple formula for masculine or feminine development of the brain and behaviour; instead, underlying epigenetic mechanisms may vary by brain region or even by dependent variable within a region. Whole-genome studies related to sex differences in the brain have only very recently been reported, but suggest that males and females may use different combinations of epigenetic modifications to control gene expression, even in cases where gene expression does not differ between the sexes. Finally, recent findings are discussed that are likely to direct future studies on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in sexual differentiation of the brain and behaviour.

scholarly journals Fatty acids, epigenetic mechanisms and chronic diseases: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
K. González-Becerra ◽  
O. Ramos-Lopez ◽  
E. Barrón-Cabrera ◽  
J. I. Riezu-Boj ◽  
F. I. Milagro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Gene Expression Regulation ◽  
Saturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Dietary Fatty Acids ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Metabolic Alterations

Abstract Background Chronic illnesses like obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular diseases, are worldwide major causes of morbidity and mortality. These pathological conditions involve interactions between environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors. Recent advances in nutriepigenomics are contributing to clarify the role of some nutritional factors, including dietary fatty acids in gene expression regulation. This systematic review assesses currently available information concerning the role of the different fatty acids on epigenetic mechanisms that affect the development of chronic diseases or induce protective effects on metabolic alterations. Methods A targeted search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline databases using the keywords “fatty acids and epigenetic”. The data were analyzed according to the PRISMA-P guidelines. Results Consumption fatty acids like n-3 PUFA: EPA and DHA, and MUFA: oleic and palmitoleic acid was associated with an improvement of metabolic alterations. On the other hand, fatty acids that have been associated with the presence or development of obesity, T2D, pro-inflammatory profile, atherosclerosis and IR were n-6 PUFA, saturated fatty acids (stearic and palmitic), and trans fatty acids (elaidic), have been also linked with epigenetic changes. Conclusions Fatty acids can regulate gene expression by modifying epigenetic mechanisms and consequently result in positive or negative impacts on metabolic outcomes.

scholarly journals Epidrugs: novel epigenetic regulators that open a new window for targeting osteoblast differentiation

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahsa Ghorbaninejad ◽  
Maliheh Khademi-Shirvan ◽  
Samaneh Hosseini ◽  
Mohamadreza Baghaban Eslaminejad
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Osteogenic Differentiation ◽  
Enzyme Inhibitors ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Regulate Gene Expression ◽  
Cell Based Therapy

Abstract Efficient osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a critical step in the treatment of bone defects and skeletal disorders, which present challenges for cell-based therapy and regenerative medicine. Thus, it is necessary to understand the regulatory agents involved in osteogenesis. Epigenetic mechanisms are considered to be the primary mediators that regulate gene expression during MSC differentiation. In recent years, epigenetic enzyme inhibitors have been used as epidrugs in cancer therapy. A number of studies mentioned the role of epigenetic inhibitors in the regulation of gene expression patterns related to osteogenic differentiation. This review attempts to provide an overview of the key regulatory agents of osteogenesis: transcription factors, signaling pathways, and, especially, epigenetic mechanisms. In addition, we propose to introduce epigenetic enzyme inhibitors (epidrugs) and their applications as future therapeutic approaches for bone defect regeneration.

scholarly journals Polycomb complexes in normal and malignant hematopoiesis

2018 ◽  
Vol 218 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerio Di Carlo ◽  
Ivano Mocavini ◽  
Luciano Di Croce
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Polycomb Group ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Hematopoietic Differentiation ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Negative Regulators ◽  
Self Renewal ◽  
Hematological Diseases ◽  
Cell Type Specific

Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial for sustaining cell type–specific transcription programs. Among the distinct factors, Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are major negative regulators of gene expression in mammals. These proteins play key roles in regulating the proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation of stem cells. During hematopoietic differentiation, many PcG proteins are fundamental for proper lineage commitment, as highlighted by the fact that a lack of distinct PcG proteins results in embryonic lethality accompanied by differentiation biases. Correspondingly, proteins of these complexes are frequently dysregulated in hematological diseases. In this review, we present an overview of the role of PcG proteins in normal and malignant hematopoiesis, focusing on the compositional complexity of PcG complexes, and we briefly discuss the ongoing clinical trials for drugs targeting these factors.

scholarly journals DNA Methylation Signatures of Bone Metabolism in Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis Aging-Related Diseases: An Updated Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 4244
Author(s):  
Virginia Veronica Visconti ◽  
Ida Cariati ◽  
Simona Fittipaldi ◽  
Riccardo Iundusi ◽  
Elena Gasbarra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Bone Diseases ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Crucial Point ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Late Onset Disorders

DNA methylation is one of the most studied epigenetic mechanisms that play a pivotal role in regulating gene expression. The epigenetic component is strongly involved in aging-bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Both are complex multi-factorial late-onset disorders that represent a globally widespread health problem, highlighting a crucial point of investigations in many scientific studies. In recent years, new findings on the role of DNA methylation in the pathogenesis of aging-bone diseases have emerged. The aim of this systematic review is to update knowledge in the field of DNA methylation associated with osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, focusing on the specific tissues involved in both pathological conditions.

scholarly journals Resilience and evolvability of protein-protein interaction networks

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brennan Klein ◽  
Ludvig Holmér ◽  
Keith M. Smith ◽  
Mackenzie M. Johnson ◽  
Anshuman Swain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Protein Interaction ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Preferential Attachment ◽  
Network Resilience ◽  
Biological Noise ◽  
Ppi Network ◽  
Protein Protein Interaction ◽  
Ppi Networks

AbstractProtein-protein interaction (PPI) networks represent complex intra-cellular protein interactions, and the presence or absence of such interactions can lead to biological changes in an organism. Recent network-based approaches have shown that a phenotype’s PPI network’s resilience to environmental perturbations is related to its placement in the tree of life; though we still do not know how or why certain intra-cellular factors can bring about this resilience. One such factor is gene expression, which controls the simultaneous presence of proteins for allowed extant interactions and the possibility of novel associations. Here, we explore the influence of gene expression and network properties on a PPI network’s resilience, focusing especially on ribosomal proteins—vital molecular-complexes involved in protein synthesis, which have been extensively and reliably mapped in many species. Using publicly-available data of ribosomal PPIs for E. coli, S.cerevisae, and H. sapiens, we compute changes in network resilience as new nodes (proteins) are added to the networks under three node addition mechanisms—random, degree-based, and gene-expression-based attachments. By calculating the resilience of the resulting networks, we estimate the effectiveness of these node addition mechanisms. We demonstrate that adding nodes with gene-expression-based preferential attachment (as opposed to random or degree-based) preserves and can increase the original resilience of PPI network. This holds in all three species regardless of their distributions of gene expressions or their network community structure. These findings introduce a general notion of prospective resilience, which highlights the key role of network structures in understanding the evolvability of phenotypic traits.1Author SummaryProteins in organismal cells are present at different levels of concentration and interact with other proteins to provide specific functional roles. Accumulating lists of all of these interactions, complex networks of protein interactions become apparent. This allows us to begin asking whether there are network-level mechanisms at play guiding the evolution of biological systems. Here, using this network perspective, we address two important themes in evolutionary biology (i) How are biological systems able to successfully incorporate novelty? (ii) What is the evolutionary role of biological noise in evolutionary novelty? We consider novelty to be the introduction of a new protein, represented as a new “node”, into a network. We simulate incorporation of novel proteins into Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks in different ways and analyse how the resilience of the PPI network alters. We find that novel interactions guided by gene expression (indicative of concentration levels of proteins) creates a more resilient network than either uniformly random interactions or interactions guided solely by the network structure (preferential attachment). Moreover, simulated biological noise in the gene expression increases network resilience. We suggest that biological noise induces novel structure in the PPI network which has the effect of making it more resilient.

scholarly journals The Role of Epigenomics in Osteoporosis and Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (24) ◽  
pp. 9455
Author(s):  
Kyoung-Tae Kim ◽  
Young-Seok Lee ◽  
Inbo Han
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Vertebral Fracture ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Bone Degradation

Osteoporosis is a complex multifactorial condition of the musculoskeletal system. Osteoporosis and osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) are associated with high medical costs and can lead to poor quality of life. Genetic factors are important in determining bone mass and structure, as well as any predisposition for bone degradation and OVF. However, genetic factors are not enough to explain osteoporosis development and OVF occurrence. Epigenetics describes a mechanism for controlling gene expression and cellular processes without altering DNA sequences. The main mechanisms in epigenetics are DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Recently, alterations in epigenetic mechanisms and their activity have been associated with osteoporosis and OVF. Here, we review emerging evidence that epigenetics contributes to the machinery that can alter DNA structure, gene expression, and cellular differentiation during physiological and pathological bone remodeling. A progressive understanding of normal bone metabolism and the role of epigenetic mechanisms in multifactorial osteopathy can help us better understand the etiology of the disease and convert this information into clinical practice. A deep understanding of these mechanisms will help in properly coordinating future individual treatments of osteoporosis and OVF.

scholarly journals RING1 Interacts with Multiple Polycomb-Group Proteins and Displays Tumorigenic Activity

1999 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
David P. E. Satijn ◽  
Arie P. Otte
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Cellular Transformation ◽  
Polycomb Group ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Self Association

ABSTRACT Polycomb-group (PcG) proteins form large multimeric protein complexes that are involved in maintaining the transcriptionally repressive state of genes. Previously, we reported that RING1 interacts with vertebrate Polycomb (Pc) homologs and is associated with or is part of a human PcG complex. However, very little is known about the role of RING1 as a component of the PcG complex. Here we undertake a detailed characterization of RING1 protein-protein interactions. By using directed two-hybrid and in vitro protein-protein analyses, we demonstrate that RING1, besides interacting with the human Pc homolog HPC2, can also interact with itself and with the vertebrate PcG protein BMI1. Distinct domains in the RING1 protein are involved in the self-association and in the interaction with BMI1. Further, we find that the BMI1 protein can also interact with itself. To better understand the role of RING1 in regulating gene expression, we overexpressed the protein in mammalian cells and analyzed differences in gene expression levels. This analysis shows that overexpression of RING1 strongly represses En-2, a mammalian homolog of the well-characterized Drosophila PcG target geneengrailed. Furthermore, RING1 overexpression results in enhanced expression of the proto-oncogenes c-jun and c-fos. The changes in expression levels of these proto-oncogenes are accompanied by cellular transformation, as judged by anchorage-independent growth and the induction of tumors in athymic mice. Our data demonstrate that RING1 interacts with multiple human PcG proteins, indicating an important role for RING1 in the PcG complex. Further, deregulation of RING1 expression leads to oncogenic transformation by deregulation of the expression levels of certain oncogenes.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing Epigenetic Mechanisms: Is There A Role for Bariatric Surgery?

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Alessio Metere ◽  
Claire E. Graves
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Alterations ◽  
Epigenetic Factors ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Development And Aging

Epigenetics is the interaction between the genome and environmental stimuli capable of influencing gene expression during development and aging. A large number of studies have shown that metabolic diseases are highly associated with epigenetic alterations, suggesting that epigenetic factors may play a central role in obesity. To investigate these relationships, we focus our attention on the most common epigenetic modifications that occur in obesity, including DNA methylation and post-translational modifications of histones. We also consider bariatric surgery as an epigenetic factor, evaluating how the anatomic and physiologic modifications induced by these surgical techniques can change gene expression. Here we discuss the importance of epigenetic mechanisms in chronic disease and cancer, and the role of epigenetic disturbances in obesity, with a focus on the role of bariatric surgery.

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