Editorial. Epigenetics of development and human disease.
Editorial. Epigenetics of development and human disease.
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社论。
DOI：
10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2008.10.008
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发表时间：
2008
期刊：
影响因子：
--
通讯作者：
Geyer,PamelaK
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Wallrath,LoriL;Nagy,PeterL;Geyer,PamelaK
The histone code is coordinated with DNA methylation. Several articles within this issue describe connections between histone modifications and DNA methylation in association with gene silencing. The interplay of epigenetic modifications is a focus of the article by KD Robertson and colleagues. Connections between DNA methylation and histone methylation, as they relate to mammalian development and human disease, are discussed. P. Wade and colleagues describe a family of proteins that bind methylated DNA in a manner analogous to the readers of the histone code. In general, these proteins recruit histone modifiers and silence gene expression. The methyl DNA binding protein MeCP2 is discussed in detail as mutations in the gene encoding this protein give rise to a major form of mental retardation. The function of MeCP2 has been extremely elusive over the years, with new data suggesting a role in forming higher order chromatin structures.The reversible nature of epigenetic modifications provides the opportunity for therapeutic intervention of human disease. PA Jones and colleagues deliver hopeful news regarding “epigenetic drugs” that impact DNA methylation and histone modifications. Some of these drugs have proven success in the treatment of hematological malignancies and certain types of solid tumors. The authors acknowledge shortcomings of such drug treatments and suggest means of improvement.
