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An epigenetic view of developmental diseases: new targets, new therapies

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Abstract

Background

Function of epigenetic modifications is one of the most competitive fields in life science. Over the past several decades, it has been revealed that epigenetic modifications play essential roles in development and diseases including developmental diseases. In the present review, we summarize the recent progress about the function of epigenetic regulation, especially DNA and RNA modifications in developmental diseases.

Data sources

Original research articles and literature reviews published in PubMed-indexed journals.

Results

DNA modifications including methylation and demethylation can regulate gene expression, and are involved in development and multiple diseases including Rett syndrome, Autism spectrum disorders, congenital heart disease and cancer, etc. RNA methylation and demethylation play important roles in RNA processing, reprogramming, circadian, and neuronal activity, and then modulate development.

Conclusions

DNA and RNA modifications play important roles in development and diseases through regulating gene expression. Epigenetic components could serve as novel targets for the treatment of developmental diseases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China

    Pei Xie

  2. Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China

    Li-Qun Zang, Xue-Kun Li & Qiang Shu

  3. Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China

    Xue-Kun Li

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  1. Pei Xie
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  2. Li-Qun Zang
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  4. Qiang Shu
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Correspondence to Qiang Shu.

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Xie, P., Zang, LQ., Li, XK. et al. An epigenetic view of developmental diseases: new targets, new therapies. World J Pediatr 12, 291–297 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12519-016-0020-3

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