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Where Environment Meets Cognition: A Focus on Two Developmental Intellectual Disability Disorders
I De Toma1, L Manubens-Gil1, S Ossowski2
1Cellular and Systems Neurobiology, Systems Biology Program, Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
Neural Plasticity
|August 23, 2016
Summary
Epigenetic mechanisms regulate cognition and are altered in intellectual disability disorders (IDDs). Reversible epigenetic drugs offer potential for treating IDDs like Down Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Epigenetics
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone modifications, noncoding RNAs) regulate gene expression in the brain.
- Alterations in epigenetic machinery are linked to intellectual disability disorders (IDDs).
- Down Syndrome (DS) and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) exhibit global and local epigenetic changes impacting synaptic plasticity and learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epigenetic alterations in IDDs, specifically DS and FXS.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of epigenetic drugs (epidrugs) for cognitive enhancement in IDDs.
- To discuss the use of epidrugs in combinatorial therapies for IDDs.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on epigenetics in IDDs.
- Focus on epigenetic studies related to Down Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome.
- Analysis of the potential of epigenetic drugs for treating cognitive impairments.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic dysregulation is a key feature of IDDs like DS and FXS.
- Epigenetic modifications are reversible, suggesting therapeutic targets.
- Context-specific epigenetic treatments can restore balance in gene expression.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic alterations significantly contribute to cognitive deficits in IDDs.
- Epigenetic drugs hold promise as cognitive enhancers for IDDs.
- Combinatorial epigenetic therapies may offer effective treatment strategies for IDDs.
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