About this Research Topic
SCOPE
As one of the most studied epigenetic modifications, DNA methylation regulates chromatin structure and gene transcription, playing essential roles in a wide range of biological processes such as embryonic development, cell differentiation, and somatic reprogramming. In 2009, Rao and colleagues identified the first 5mC oxidase TET1, which is a milestone in the field of DNA methylation. Biochemically, TET proteins (TET1/2/3) can convert 5mC to 5hmC/5fC/5caC through alpha-ketoglutarate and iron-dependent oxidative reaction, initiating the active or passive DNA demethylation. Given that TET proteins have been recognized as the “epigenetic erasers” of DNA methylation, it is of great interest and importance to investigate the regulation and function of TET family genes and DNA demethylation in diverse biological, physiological, and pathophysiological processes. Accumulating evidence shows that the dysregulation of TET family genes and aberrant DNA demethylation are involved in the pathophysiological processes of many life-threatening diseases including hematopoietic malignancies, solid tumors, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Elucidating the relationship between DNA methylation dynamics and human diseases will not only deepen our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis, but also pave the way to develop new strategies or methods for disease prevention, diagnosis and therapy.
FOCUSED RESEARCH QUESTIONS
This research topic aims to provide new insight into the regulation and function of DNA methylation dynamics in the pathogenesis processes of human diseases.
1. Role of DNA methylation/demethylation in aging and age-related diseases.
2. Role of DNA methylation/demethylation in cancer.
3. Role of DNA methylation/demethylation in endocrine and metabolism-related diseases.
4. Role of DNA methylation/demethylation in the pathophysiological processes of other diseases.
5. Identification and characterization of new genetic, environmental, and physiological factors that influence DNA demethylation in human diseases.
6. Development and application of new methods for detecting 5mC and oxidative products (5hmC/5fC/5caC) in human diseases.
REQUIREMENTS FOR MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION
Articles report the changes, functional roles, and molecular mechanisms of DNA methylation/demethylation in human diseases. Reviews that summarize current research progress in the above topics are also welcome.
As one of the most studied epigenetic modifications, DNA methylation regulates chromatin structure and gene transcription, playing essential roles in a wide range of biological processes such as embryonic development, cell differentiation, and somatic reprogramming. In 2009, Rao and colleagues identified the first 5mC oxidase TET1, which is a milestone in the field of DNA methylation. Biochemically, TET proteins (TET1/2/3) can convert 5mC to 5hmC/5fC/5caC through alpha-ketoglutarate and iron-dependent oxidative reaction, initiating the active or passive DNA demethylation. Given that TET proteins have been recognized as the “epigenetic erasers” of DNA methylation, it is of great interest and importance to investigate the regulation and function of TET family genes and DNA demethylation in diverse biological, physiological, and pathophysiological processes. Accumulating evidence shows that the dysregulation of TET family genes and aberrant DNA demethylation are involved in the pathophysiological processes of many life-threatening diseases including hematopoietic malignancies, solid tumors, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Elucidating the relationship between DNA methylation dynamics and human diseases will not only deepen our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis, but also pave the way to develop new strategies or methods for disease prevention, diagnosis and therapy.
FOCUSED RESEARCH QUESTIONS
This research topic aims to provide new insight into the regulation and function of DNA methylation dynamics in the pathogenesis processes of human diseases.
1. Role of DNA methylation/demethylation in aging and age-related diseases.
2. Role of DNA methylation/demethylation in cancer.
3. Role of DNA methylation/demethylation in endocrine and metabolism-related diseases.
4. Role of DNA methylation/demethylation in the pathophysiological processes of other diseases.
5. Identification and characterization of new genetic, environmental, and physiological factors that influence DNA demethylation in human diseases.
6. Development and application of new methods for detecting 5mC and oxidative products (5hmC/5fC/5caC) in human diseases.
REQUIREMENTS FOR MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION
Articles report the changes, functional roles, and molecular mechanisms of DNA methylation/demethylation in human diseases. Reviews that summarize current research progress in the above topics are also welcome.
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