Version 1
: Received: 28 May 2021 / Approved: 31 May 2021 / Online: 31 May 2021 (09:08:07 CEST)
How to cite:
Zimmer-Bensch, G.; Zempel, H. DNA Methylation in Genetic and Sporadic Forms of Neurodegeneration: Lessons From Alzheimers, Related Tauopathies and Genetic Tauopathies. Preprints2021, 2021050717. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202105.0717.v1.
Zimmer-Bensch, G.; Zempel, H. DNA Methylation in Genetic and Sporadic Forms of Neurodegeneration: Lessons From Alzheimers, Related Tauopathies and Genetic Tauopathies. Preprints 2021, 2021050717. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202105.0717.v1.
Cite as:
Zimmer-Bensch, G.; Zempel, H. DNA Methylation in Genetic and Sporadic Forms of Neurodegeneration: Lessons From Alzheimers, Related Tauopathies and Genetic Tauopathies. Preprints2021, 2021050717. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202105.0717.v1.
Zimmer-Bensch, G.; Zempel, H. DNA Methylation in Genetic and Sporadic Forms of Neurodegeneration: Lessons From Alzheimers, Related Tauopathies and Genetic Tauopathies. Preprints 2021, 2021050717. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202105.0717.v1.
Abstract
Genetic and sporadic forms of tauopathies, the most prevalent of which is Alzheimer’s Disease, are a scourge of the aging society, and in case of genetic forms, can also affect children and young adults. All tauopathies share ectopic expression, mislocalization, or aggregation of the microtubule associated protein TAU, encoded by the MAPT gene. As TAU is a neuronal protein widely expressed in the CNS, the overwhelming majority of tauopathies are neurological disorders. They are characterized by cognitive dysfunction often leading to dementia, and are frequently accompanied by movement abnormalities such as parkinsonism. Tauopathies can lead to severe neurological deficits and premature death. For some tauopathies there is a clear genetic cause and/ or an epigenetic contribution. However, for several others the disease etiology is unclear, with few tauopathies being environmentally triggered. Here we review current knowledge of tauopathies listing known genetic and important sporadic forms of this disease. Further, we discuss how DNA methylation as a major epigenetic mechanism emerges to be involved in the disease pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s, and related genetic and non-genetic tauopathies. Finally, we debate the application of epigenetic signatures in peripheral blood samples as diagnostic tool and usage of epigenetic therapy strategies for these diseases.
Keywords
Alzheimer; TAU; MAPT; epigenetics; neurodegeneration; neurogenetic disease; DNA methylation
Subject
LIFE SCIENCES, Biochemistry
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.
