Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2025
09:42
Immunostaining for DNA Modifications: Computational Analysis of Confocal Images
Published on: September 7, 2017
9.8K
Pathways of DNA Demethylation.
1Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. wendy.dean@ucalgary.ca.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|November 9, 2022
Summary
DNA demethylation is crucial for cellular reprogramming, enabling developmental plasticity and the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This process is vital for embryonic development, germline function, and potentially reversing aging.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics and Developmental Biology
- Genomic Regulation
- Cellular Reprogramming
Background:
- The epigenome, particularly DNA methylation, directs cellular differentiation and development.
- Epigenetic reprogramming involves cycles of DNA methylation addition and removal.
- DNA methylation acts as a barrier to induced pluripotency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore mechanisms of DNA demethylation in natural and induced epigenetic reprogramming.
- To understand the role of DNA methylation dynamics in development and aging.
- To highlight the significance of DNA demethylation in generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Main Methods:
- Review of epigenetic reprogramming processes.
- Analysis of DNA methylation and demethylation dynamics.
- Exploration of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation.
Main Results:
- DNA demethylation is essential for restoring pluripotency during embryonic development and germline reprogramming.
- Loss of DNA methylation is a prerequisite for generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
- The balance between DNA methylation maintenance and removal is critical for health and aging.
Conclusions:
- DNA demethylation is a key mechanism for cellular plasticity and reprogramming.
- Understanding DNA demethylation offers insights into aging and regenerative medicine.
- Epigenetic reprogramming holds promise for therapeutic interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
3.1K
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...
X-chromosome...
3.1K
01:17Phase II Reactions: Methylation Reactions
289
Methylation is a phase II biotransformation process involving the attachment of a methyl group to a substrate. Enzymes known as methyltransferases orchestrate this reaction.
The mechanism of methylation unfolds in two stages. The first stage sees a methyltransferase enzyme facilitating the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the substrate, forming S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). The second stage involves further metabolism of SAH into homocysteine, which can be recycled...
The mechanism of methylation unfolds in two stages. The first stage sees a methyltransferase enzyme facilitating the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the substrate, forming S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). The second stage involves further metabolism of SAH into homocysteine, which can be recycled...
289
02:25Spreading of Chromatin Modifications
8.4K
The histone proteins in the nucleosomes are post-translationally modified (PTM) to increase or decrease access to DNA. The commonly observed PTMs are methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination of lysine amino acids in the histone H3 tail region. These histone modifications have specific meaning for the cell. Hence, they are called "histone code". The protein complex involved in histone modification is termed as "reader-writer" complex.
Writers
The writer...
Writers
The writer...
8.4K
03:17Inheritance of Chromatin Structures
6.4K
Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying...
6.4K
02:32Histone Modification
13.6K
The histone proteins have a flexible N-terminal tail extending out from the nucleosome. These histone tails are often subjected to post-translational modifications such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination. Particular combinations of these modifications form “histone codes” that influence the chromatin folding and tissue-specific gene expression.
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone...
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone...
13.6K
01:32Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells
1.8K
Chromatin modification alters gene expression; therefore, scientists can add histone-modifying enzymes, histone variants, and chromatin remodeling complexes to somatic cells to aid reprogramming into pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...
1.8K