Implication of epigenetics in pancreas development and disease
Evans Quilichini1, Cécile Haumaitre2
1Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7622, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Paris F-75005, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, UMR7622-IBPS, Paris F-75005, France.
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
|December 24, 2015
Summary
Epigenetic factors like DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs are crucial for pancreas development and cell differentiation. Understanding these epigenetic regulators offers new therapeutic targets for diabetes and pancreatic cancer.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Epigenetics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Pancreas development involves complex signaling pathways and transcription factors.
- Epigenetics, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, represents a critical regulatory layer.
- These epigenetic factors are increasingly recognized for their role in pancreatic cell fate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on epigenetic regulators in pancreas development.
- To highlight the role of epigenetics in exocrine and endocrine cell differentiation, identity, function, proliferation, and regeneration.
- To discuss the contribution of altered epigenetic processes to pancreatic disorders like diabetes and cancer.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of findings from model organisms.
- Application of genome-wide approaches.
- Review of recent scientific literature.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic regulators significantly control pancreatic cell differentiation and identity.
- These factors influence exocrine and endocrine cell function, proliferation, and regeneration.
- Aberrant epigenetic processes are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes and pancreatic cancer.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic mechanisms are fundamental to normal pancreas development and function.
- Understanding epigenetic dysregulation provides insights into pancreatic diseases.
- Targeting epigenetic events offers potential therapeutic strategies for diabetes and pancreatic cancer, and for improving cell-based therapies.
Keywords:
DNA methylationdiabetesepigeneticshistone modificationsnon-coding RNAspancreas developmentpancreatic cancerstem cell differentiationβ-cellsMore Related Videos
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