Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
09:11
A Mouse Model of in Utero Transplantation
Published on: January 27, 2011
Epigenetics: time to translate into transplantation.
Jennifer A McCaughan1, Amy Jayne McKnight, Aisling E Courtney
1Regional Nephrology Unit (Level 11), Belfast City Hospital, Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland. jamccaughan@doctors.net.uk
Transplantation
|March 23, 2012
Summary
Epigenetic modifications, which alter gene expression without changing DNA, may significantly impact organ transplant success. Further research into these dynamic changes could reveal new biomarkers and treatments for transplant patients.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Transplantation Biology
Background:
- Genetic factors explain only part of multifactorial disorders and transplant outcomes.
- Epigenetic modifications offer a complementary mechanism influencing gene expression without altering DNA sequence.
- The role of epigenetics in organ transplantation and allograft survival is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the nature of epigenetic modifications in disease.
- To explore emerging evidence of epigenetic influences on allograft survival.
- To highlight the potential for epigenetic biomarkers and therapies in transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epigenetic mechanisms in disease and transplantation.
- Analysis of current research on epigenetic modifications and their impact on immune responses.
- Examination of donor epigenome and peritransplant epigenetic changes.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic modifications are dynamic, potentially heritable, and influenced by environment and drugs.
- These modifications can affect immune cell function critical for allograft rejection.
- Initial studies suggest donor epigenome and peritransplant conditions induce epigenetic changes in the allograft.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic phenomena play a crucial, yet poorly understood, role in organ transplantation outcomes.
- Understanding epigenetic influences could lead to novel biomarkers for predicting transplant success.
- Targeting epigenetic pathways may offer new therapeutic strategies for improving allograft survival.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Forced Transdifferentiation
Transdifferentiation, also known as lineage reprogramming, was first discovered by Selman and Kafatos in 1974 in silkmoths. They observed that the moths’ cuticle-producing cells transformed into salt-producing cells. Many such cases of natural transdifferentiation occur in organisms. In humans, pancreatic alpha cells can become beta cells. In newts, the loss of the eye’s lens causes the pigmented epithelial cells to transdifferentiate into the lens cells.
Artificial transdifferentiation occurs...
Artificial transdifferentiation occurs...
01:24Tissue Transplantation
Tissue transplantation is a significant medical procedure involving the transfer of cells, tissues, or organs from a donor to a recipient, with the primary aim of restoring lost functions. This procedure is crucial in treating a broad spectrum of diseases, including kidney diseases, liver failure, heart disease, and certain types of cancers.
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
00:53Transgenic Organisms
Overview
00:53Transgenic Organisms
Overview
01:24Methods of Nuclear Reprogramming
Nuclear reprogramming is a process of transforming one cell type into an unrelated cell type by epigenetic changes that alter the cell’s original gene expression pattern. Such epigenetic changes force cells to express a different set of genes, which play a significant role in inducing transformation into other cell types. Nuclear reprogramming offers applications in reproductive cloning for livestock propagation and regenerative medicine — developing patient-specific cells for injury repair.
01:29Somatic to iPS Cell Reprogramming
Reprogramming alters the gene expression in somatic cells, transforming them into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells over several generations. Scientists can reprogram cells by introducing genes for four transcription factors—Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM) by viral or non-viral methods. These factors are also known as Yamanaka factors after Shinya Yamanaka, who first generated iPS cells using mouse skin cells. Yamanaka was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012 for this...