Abstract
Epigenetic modifications help orchestrate sweeping developmental, aging, and disease-causing changes in phenotype by altering transcriptional activity in multiple genes spanning multiple biologic pathways. Although previous epigenetic research has focused primarily on dividing cells, particularly in cancer, recent studies have shown rapid, dynamic, and persistent epigenetic modifications in neurons that have significant neuroendocrine, neurophysiologic, and neurodegenerative consequences. Here, we provide a review of the major mechanisms for epigenetic modification and how they are reportedly altered in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Because of their reach across the genome, epigenetic mechanisms may provide a unique integrative framework for the pathologic diversity and complexity of AD.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1161-1180 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Neurobiology of Aging |
Volume | 32 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Amyloid β peptide
- Cell cycle
- DNA methylation
- Epigenetics
- Gene expression
- Genetics
- Histone acetylation
- Inflammation
- MiRNA
- Oxidative stress
- RDNA
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Aging
- General Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology