Journal of Pathology and Disease Biology

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +44 1518081136

Commentary - Journal of Pathology and Disease Biology (2023) Volume 7, Issue 2

Impact of epigenetics on cellular function and disease development

Tejaswi Bindu*

Department of Epigenetics, JNTU University, Telangana, India

Corresponding Author:
Tejaswi Bindu
Department of Epigenetics
JNTU University, Telangana, India
E-mail: tejaswi219@gmail.com

Received: 29-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AAPDB-23-97695; Editor assigned: 30-Mar-2023, PreQC No. AAPDB-23-97695(PQ); Reviewed: 14-Apr-2023, QC No. AAPDB-23-97695; Revised: 19-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. AAPDB-23-97695(R); Published: 25-Apr-2023, DOI:10.35841/2529-8046-7.2.145

Citation: Bindu T. Impact of epigenetics on cellular function and disease development. J Pathol Dis Biol. 2023;7(2):145

Visit for more related articles at Journal of Pathology and Disease Biology

Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that occur without alterations in the DNA sequence. These changes can have a profound impact on cellular function and disease development. Epigenetic modifications occur through the addition or removal of chemical groups to the DNA or histone proteins that package DNA. These modifications can be influenced by environmental factors such as diet, stress, and toxins, and they can be passed down from one generation to the next. Epigenetic modifications can regulate gene expression by controlling access to DNA. Histone proteins can be modified by the addition of chemical groups, such as acetyl or methyl groups, that can either promote or repress gene expression. DNA methylation, the addition of a methyl group to the DNA molecule, is another epigenetic modification that can repress gene expression. These modifications can have a significant impact on cellular function and development [1].

Epigenetic modifications play a critical role in normal development, and disruptions to these modifications can lead to developmental disorders. For example, mutations in genes involved in DNA methylation can lead to disorders such as Rett syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome. These disorders are characterized by a range of symptoms, including intellectual disability, developmental delays, and abnormal behavior. Epigenetic modifications have been implicated in the development and progression of cancer. Aberrant DNA methylation can silence tumor suppressor genes, while histone modifications can activate oncogenes. These modifications can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. Epigenetic changes have been identified in a variety of cancers, including breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancer [2].

Epigenetic modifications have also been implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Changes in histone modifications have been linked to the accumulation of toxic proteins, while DNA methylation changes have been associated with the expression of genes involved in inflammation and neurodegeneration. Epigenetic modifications can be influenced by environmental factors such as diet, stress, and toxins. For example, studies have shown that maternal diet during pregnancy can alter DNA methylation patterns in the offspring, leading to changes in gene expression and an increased risk of disease. Exposure to environmental toxins such as lead and arsenic can also lead to epigenetic changes that can impact cellular function and disease development [3].

The study of epigenetics has led to the development of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of diseases. Epigenetic modifications are reversible, and drugs that target these modifications have been developed as potential treatments for cancer and other diseases. For example, drugs that inhibit DNA methyltransferases, enzymes involved in DNA methylation, have been developed as potential cancer therapies. Other drugs target histone modifications or the enzymes involved in their regulation. Epigenetic modifications are highly variable between individuals, and they can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle. This variability has led to the development of personalized medicine approaches that take into account a patient's epigenetic profile when designing treatment plans. For example, epigenetic profiling of tumors can be used to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from epigenetic therapies. As our understanding of epigenetics continues to grow, we can expect to see new and innovative approaches to treating and preventing diseases that are influenced by epigenetic changes. New technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, are being developed that allow for precise modifications of the epigenetic code. The development of non-invasive methods for monitoring epigenetic changes, such as liquid biopsy, may also lead to earlier detection and treatment of diseases [4,5].

In conclusion, epigenetic modifications play a critical role in cellular function and disease development. Disruptions to these modifications can lead to a variety of diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Environmental factors such as diet, stress, and toxins can also impact epigenetic modifications. However, the study of epigenetics has also led to the development of new therapeutic approaches and personalized medicine strategies. As our understanding of epigenetics continues to evolve, we can expect to see new and innovative ways to prevent and treat diseases.

References

  1. Reilly N, Charbin A.Facile synthesis of budding yeast a-factor and its use to synchronize cells of a mating type. Yeast. 2012;29(6):233-40.

    2. Indexed at,Google Scholar,Cross Ref

  2. Hara Y.Intranuclear DNA density affects chromosome condensation in metazoans. Mol Biol Cell.2013;24(15):2442-53.

    3. Indexed at,Google Scholar,Cross Ref

  3. Robellet X, Thattikota Y.A high-sensitivity phospho-switch triggered by Cdk1 governs chromosome morphogenesis during cell division. Genes Dev. 2015;29:426-39.

    4. Indexed at,Google Scholar,Cross Ref

  4. Nakazawa N, Xu X,RNA pol II transcript abundance controls condensin accumulation at mitotically up-regulated and heat-shock-inducible genes in fission yeast. Gene Cell.2015;20(6):481-99.

    5. Indexed at,Google Scholar,Cross Ref

  5. Walther N. Aquantitative map of human Condensins provides new insights into mitotic chromosome architecture. J Cell Biol.2018; 217(7):2309-28.

    6. Indexed at,Google Scholar,Cross Ref

Get the App