Epigenetics can be described as modifying the expression of a gene without changing the DNA itself. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA interference are a few examples of epigenetic modifications. Epigenetics is involved in various biological processes; cell differentiation; development; phenotypic and genotypic variabilities; and as a result is altered during disease. New strategies to understand these factors can help develop new therapies, and this is of interest in the field of neurodegeneration and neurodevelopmental disease.
Currently, the concept of cell replacement-based therapy is one of the cores of regenerative medicine. With regeneration of nervous tissue, there are a number of pitfalls that may be encountered when considering cell replacement. Firstly, it will be necessary to deliver the cells in a state of proliferation, which is compromised. Secondly, cells must also be delivered in an undifferentiated state to allow them to replace the different cells lost in the niche.
It was described that epigenetic factors play a role in cell differentiation due to cell interactions with living conditions. This has been observed both in vitro and in vivo, and demonstrates the modulatory effect of the environment on gene expression. Small RNAs (sRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) could play essential roles in modulating this differentiation, either through interaction with growth factors, or the substrate in which the cells are grown. Identifying the miRNAs and sRNAs that act on sustained proliferation, controlled apoptosis, survival of undifferentiated neurons, and final differentiation will help tackle the challenges in developing advanced therapies for neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases.
In this issue, we aim to update research addressing epigenetic factors in the context of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. By furthering our understanding of how they are involved in the pathophysiological disease mechanisms, we may further help the development of advanced therapeutics against said diseases. This research topic proposes identifying, discussing, and expanding understanding to favour new therapies based on epigenetic factors and their implications in neuronal differentiation.
This Research Topic welcomes reviews, research articles, methods, hypotheses, and theories on themes related to epigenetic factors on neuronal differentiation. This may include but is not limited to:
• Evaluation of the dysregulated miRNAs in neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Alzheimer's diseases) and neurodevelopmental diseases (such as autism), focusing on their pathways and roles in the brain.
• Insights into the roles of miRNAs or SRNAs in neurodegenerative and developmental diseases, and their potential therapeutic uses;
• Development of new therapies for neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases based on modulation of the epigenetic factors that are active during proliferation, quiescence, and anti-apoptosis;
• Identification of therapeutic candidates and safe and targeted delivery of miRNAs or SRNAs for treatment of neurological diseases;
• The substrate interferences of neuronal differentiation. Differentiation of all neuronal cell types (microglia, oligodendrocytes, dopaminergic neurons, cholinergic neurons, serotoninergic neurons, etc.) will be considered.
Epigenetics can be described as modifying the expression of a gene without changing the DNA itself. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA interference are a few examples of epigenetic modifications. Epigenetics is involved in various biological processes; cell differentiation; development; phenotypic and genotypic variabilities; and as a result is altered during disease. New strategies to understand these factors can help develop new therapies, and this is of interest in the field of neurodegeneration and neurodevelopmental disease.
Currently, the concept of cell replacement-based therapy is one of the cores of regenerative medicine. With regeneration of nervous tissue, there are a number of pitfalls that may be encountered when considering cell replacement. Firstly, it will be necessary to deliver the cells in a state of proliferation, which is compromised. Secondly, cells must also be delivered in an undifferentiated state to allow them to replace the different cells lost in the niche.
It was described that epigenetic factors play a role in cell differentiation due to cell interactions with living conditions. This has been observed both in vitro and in vivo, and demonstrates the modulatory effect of the environment on gene expression. Small RNAs (sRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) could play essential roles in modulating this differentiation, either through interaction with growth factors, or the substrate in which the cells are grown. Identifying the miRNAs and sRNAs that act on sustained proliferation, controlled apoptosis, survival of undifferentiated neurons, and final differentiation will help tackle the challenges in developing advanced therapies for neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases.
In this issue, we aim to update research addressing epigenetic factors in the context of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. By furthering our understanding of how they are involved in the pathophysiological disease mechanisms, we may further help the development of advanced therapeutics against said diseases. This research topic proposes identifying, discussing, and expanding understanding to favour new therapies based on epigenetic factors and their implications in neuronal differentiation.
This Research Topic welcomes reviews, research articles, methods, hypotheses, and theories on themes related to epigenetic factors on neuronal differentiation. This may include but is not limited to:
• Evaluation of the dysregulated miRNAs in neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Alzheimer's diseases) and neurodevelopmental diseases (such as autism), focusing on their pathways and roles in the brain.
• Insights into the roles of miRNAs or SRNAs in neurodegenerative and developmental diseases, and their potential therapeutic uses;
• Development of new therapies for neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases based on modulation of the epigenetic factors that are active during proliferation, quiescence, and anti-apoptosis;
• Identification of therapeutic candidates and safe and targeted delivery of miRNAs or SRNAs for treatment of neurological diseases;
• The substrate interferences of neuronal differentiation. Differentiation of all neuronal cell types (microglia, oligodendrocytes, dopaminergic neurons, cholinergic neurons, serotoninergic neurons, etc.) will be considered.
