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Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

T Cell Types and Functions

T Cell Types and Functions

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Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...

Master Transcription Regulators

Master Transcription Regulators

Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...

Combinatorial Gene Control

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Combinatorial gene control is the synergistic action of several transcriptional factors to regulate the expression of a single gene. The absence of one or more of these factors may lead to a significant difference in the level of gene expression or repression.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Preparation of Single-Cell Suspension of Mouse Thymic Epithelial Cells and Staining of Intracellular Molecules for Flow Cytometric AnalysisMechanisms

Preparation of Single-Cell Suspension of Mouse Thymic Epithelial Cells and Staining of Intracellular Molecules for Flow Cytometric AnalysisMechanisms

Published on: July 26, 2024

Epigenetic control of thymic Treg-cell development.

Yohko Kitagawa¹, Naganari Ohkura, Shimon Sakaguchi

¹Department of Experimental Immunology, World Premier International Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.

European Journal of Immunology

|October 29, 2014

Summary

Thymus-derived regulatory T cells (Treg) are crucial for immune tolerance. Epigenetic changes during Treg development occur independently of Foxp3, challenging current models of Treg cell lineage specification.

Keywords:

Epigenetics Foxp3 Regulatory T cells Thymus

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Retroviral Transduction of Helper T Cells as a Genetic Approach to Study Mechanisms Controlling their Differentiation and Function

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Published on: November 4, 2016

Area of Science:

Immunology
Cell Biology
Epigenetics

Background:

Thymus-derived regulatory T cells (Treg) expressing Foxp3 are vital for immune self-tolerance and homeostasis.
Foxp3 is essential for Treg cell function, particularly their suppressive capabilities.
Epigenetic modifications are thought to stabilize Foxp3 expression and Treg function.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of epigenetic modifications in Treg cell development.
To re-evaluate the current model of Treg cell development based on Foxp3 induction.
To explore alternative models for thymic Treg cell lineage specification.

Main Methods:

Analysis of Treg-specific epigenetic modifications during thymic development.
Comparison of epigenetic patterns with Foxp3 expression levels.
Review of lineage specification mechanisms in other cell types.

Main Results:

Epigenetic modifications during thymic Treg development were found to be independent of Foxp3 expression.
This suggests a decoupling of epigenetic programming and Foxp3 induction in early Treg development.
Findings necessitate a revision of the established model of Treg cell development.

Conclusions:

The established model of Treg cell development requiring Foxp3 induction may be incomplete.
Epigenetic programming precedes or occurs independently of Foxp3 expression in thymic Treg development.
Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and models governing thymic Treg cell lineage specification.