Version 1
: Received: 21 November 2023 / Approved: 22 November 2023 / Online: 23 November 2023 (12:55:24 CET)
How to cite:
Lossi, L.; Merighi, A. Epigenetic Modifications and Their Relevance in the Normal and Pathological Brain. Preprints2023, 2023111530. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202311.1530.v1
Lossi, L.; Merighi, A. Epigenetic Modifications and Their Relevance in the Normal and Pathological Brain. Preprints 2023, 2023111530. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202311.1530.v1
Lossi, L.; Merighi, A. Epigenetic Modifications and Their Relevance in the Normal and Pathological Brain. Preprints2023, 2023111530. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202311.1530.v1
APA Style
Lossi, L., & Merighi, A. (2023). Epigenetic Modifications and Their Relevance in the Normal and Pathological Brain. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202311.1530.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Lossi, L. and Adalberto Merighi. 2023 "Epigenetic Modifications and Their Relevance in the Normal and Pathological Brain" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202311.1530.v1
Abstract
Epigenetic changes are changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the basic DNA sequence. These changes lead to establishing a so-called epigenetic code that dictates which and when genes are activated, thus orchestrating gene regulation and playing a central role in development, health, and disease. The brain, being for the most formed by cells that do not undergo a renewal process through life, is highly prone to the risk of alterations leading to neuronal death and neurodegenerative disorders, mainly at late age. Here we review the main epigenetic modifications that have been described in the brain, with particular attention to those related to the onset of developmental anomalies or neurodegenerative conditions and/or occurring in old age. DNA methylation and several types of histone modifications (acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, lactylation, and crotonylation) are major players in these processes. They are directly or indirectly involved in the onset of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, this review briefly describes the role of these epigenetic changes in the mechanisms of brain development, maturation, and aging and some of the most important factors dynamically regulating or contributing to these changes such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Biology and Life Sciences, Neuroscience and Neurology
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
