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Published on: May 30, 2012
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Epigenetic control of adult stem cell function
Alexandra Avgustinova1, Salvador Aznar Benitah1,2
1Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) Barcelona, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology
|July 14, 2016
Summary
Epigenetic dysregulation impacts adult stem cell function and tissue homeostasis, potentially leading to diseases like cancer. The effects vary by tissue type and the specific epigenetic regulator involved.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Epigenetics
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Mammalian development involves precise transcriptional and epigenetic control to generate diverse cell types.
- The role of epigenetic regulation in maintaining tissue homeostasis post-development is less understood.
- Adult stem cells are crucial for tissue repair and homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of epigenetic dysregulation on adult stem cell function.
- To understand how epigenetic changes affect tissue homeostasis.
- To explore the link between epigenetic dysregulation, stem cell malfunction, and disease predisposition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on epigenetic regulation and adult stem cells.
- Analysis of consequences of epigenetic dysregulation across different tissue types.
- Examination of the relationship between epigenetic factors and disease, including cancer.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic dysregulation significantly affects adult stem cell function.
- Consequences range from minor effects to severe stem cell malfunction and tissue homeostasis disruption.
- The specific impact is dependent on the tissue context and the epigenetic regulator involved.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic regulation is vital for maintaining adult stem cell function and tissue homeostasis.
- Dysregulation can lead to stem cell dysfunction and compromise tissue integrity.
- This dysfunction may increase susceptibility to diseases such as cancer.
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