Exploring epigenomic mechanisms of neural tube defects using multi-omics methods and data
Wanqi Huang1, Zhengwei Yuan1, Hui Gu1
1Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|June 6, 2022
Summary
Epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are crucial in neural tube defect (NTD) development. Understanding these epigenomic alterations offers new insights into NTD pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Neural tube defects (NTDs) are complex congenital malformations with elusive etiology.
- Epigenetic modifications are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to NTD development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical epigenomic data related to human NTDs.
- To explore the role of DNA methylation, histone modification, and miRNA alterations in NTD pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of epigenomic data from human neural tissues, placental tissues, and leukocytes.
- Analysis of high-throughput epigenomic technologies.
- Integration of big data for understanding NTDs.
Main Results:
- Epigenomic alterations, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNA changes, are implicated in NTD pathogenesis.
- These epigenetic changes affect gene regulatory mechanisms crucial for neural tube closure.
Conclusions:
- Epigenomics provides a critical lens for understanding the mechanisms underlying NTDs.
- Further research into epigenetic alterations in human tissues can elucidate NTD etiology and inform potential interventions.
