Epigenetics and airways disease

Epigenetics is the term used to describe heritable changes in gene expression that are not coded in the DNA sequence itself but by post-translational modifications in DNA and histone proteins. These modifications include histone acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation and phosphorylati...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Respiratory research 2006-02, Vol.7 (1), p.21-21, Article 21
Main Authors: Adcock, Ian M, Ford, Paul, Ito, Kazuhiro, Barnes, P J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Arginine - metabolism
Chromatin - ultrastructure
DNA
DNA Methylation
DNA Repair
Enzymes
Epigenesis, Genetic - physiology
Epigenetic inheritance
Gene expression
Genes
Histones
Histones - genetics
Histones - metabolism
Humans
Lung Diseases - genetics
Methylation
NF-kappa B - immunology
Review
RNA Interference
Ubiquitin
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Summary:Epigenetics is the term used to describe heritable changes in gene expression that are not coded in the DNA sequence itself but by post-translational modifications in DNA and histone proteins. These modifications include histone acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation and phosphorylation. Epigenetic regulation is not only critical for generating diversity of cell types during mammalian development, but it is also important for maintaining the stability and integrity of the expression profiles of different cell types. Until recently, the study of human disease has focused on genetic mechanisms rather than on non-coding events. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that disruption of epigenetic processes can lead to several major pathologies, including cancer, syndromes involving chromosomal instabilities, and mental retardation. Furthermore, the expression and activity of enzymes that regulate these epigenetic modifications have been reported to be abnormal in the airways of patients with respiratory disease. The development of new diagnostic tools might reveal other diseases that are caused by epigenetic alterations. These changes, despite being heritable and stably maintained, are also potentially reversible and there is scope for the development of 'epigenetic therapies' for disease.
ISSN:1465-993X
1465-9921
1465-993X
1465-9921
DOI:10.1186/1465-9921-7-21