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Feb 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-8572.joa-22-4072
This translational paper discusses differentiation‑stage factors from zebrafish embryos as epigenetic regulators with potential to reverse neurosensory hearing loss. It outlines experimental evidence, delivery concepts, and research gaps.
May 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-14-603
Epigenetic mechanisms based on DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA interference have recently showed important association to the development of a wide variety of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, skin, autoimmune diseases and neurologic disorders. In the context of preventive aspects, the importance of nutrition on epigenetic function has been revealed. Therefore, drastic changes in dietary modifications may contribute to reduced disease risk. For instance, dietary intervention has been showed to affect DNA methylation in Alzheimer’s disease patients. Moreover, maternal high-fat diet can regulate gene expression through promoter histone modifications. Most importantly, RNA interference and particularly micro-RNA mediated regulation of gene expression has been linked to disease development. Remarkably, dietary intake has been demonstrated to significantly affect various miRNAs and their regulation on gene function. In this review, the relationship between epigenetics and disease and development of drugs based on epigenetic targets is presented as well as the influence of dietary intake on epigenetic mechanisms and its effect on disease prevention and therapy will be discussed.
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-21-3742
Cardiovascular disease is actually a major cause of mortality, illness and hospitalization worldwide. Several risk factors have been identified that are strongly associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. Public prevention strategies have relied predominately on managing environmental factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, smoking and lack of exercise. The understanding of the role of genetics in cardiovascular disease development has become much more important to link genetics with the onset of disease and response to therapy. This seeks to examine how genes can predispose individuals to cardiovascular disease and how this knowledge might be applied to more comprehensive preventive strategies in the future. In addition, the review explores possibilities for genetics in cardiovascular disease treatment, particularly through the use of identified driver genes and gene therapy. To fully understand the biological implications of these associations, there is a need to relate them to the exquisite, multilayered regulation of protein expression and regulatory elements, mutation, microRNAs and epigenetics. Understanding how the information contained in the DNA relates to the operation of these regulatory layers will allow us not only to better predict the development of cardiovascular disease but also to develop more effective therapies.
Jun 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2688-5328.ijp-19-2731
The rise of epigenetics provides a new idea for studying the regulation of chronic pain-related genes and synaptic plasticity. External environmental stimuli can regulate BDNF genes through different epigenetic modifications. The epigenetic changes of the BDNF gene can affect the expression of its mRNA and protein and participate in the development of chronic pain. By reviewing the literature, this paper reviews the mechanism of epigenetic regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in chronic pain, which provides some new directions and targets for the treatment of chronic pain.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-4602.jes-18-2229
A historical and conceptual review traces how evolutionary theory has expanded from classical selection to modern syntheses incorporating development, epigenetics, and systems thinking. Implications for research and science communication are discussed.
May 2018
Genetics alone cannot thoroughly expound the environmental impact on the molecular complexity of the endocrine system. Epigenetic-induced alteration in gene expression has emerged as a way in which environmental compounds may exert endocrine effects. The environmental compounds that interfere with normal endocrine signaling are one of the largest classes of toxicants we are exposed to, on a daily basis. Epigenetic mechanisms, mainly the methylation of DNA and the modification of histones, lead to differentiated activation and deactivation of genome domains creating phenotype plasticity and divergent endocrine function among populations and individuals, as well. The issues examined in the present review are related to environmental epigenetics, and more precisely, the epigenetic-mediated modulation and relevance of endocrine disrupting chemicals, focusing on three broad aspects: 1) persistence of EDs, 2) their major hormonal effects and 3) the potential of compounds previously considered as endocrine disruptors to induce epigenetic effects. Evidence suggests that environmental exposures notably impact expression of endocrine-related genes and, thus, affect clinical endocrine outcomes.