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Published on: May 4, 2020
Epigenetic modifications in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a review
Lichuan Wang1, Jun Xiao1, Bohan Zhang1
1Department of Pediatrics, Sheng Jing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
Insights
Epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation and histone changes are key in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) development. Mesenchymal stem cells offer potential new therapies by modulating non-coding RNA for BPD treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains a significant threat to premature infants despite advances in perinatal care.
- Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation, play a crucial role in BPD pathogenesis.
- Gene-environment interactions are central to the development of BPD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex role of epigenetic modifications in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
- To explore the potential of novel therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic pathways in BPD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent discoveries linking epigenetic variations to BPD.
- Analysis of molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying epigenetic changes in BPD.
- Evaluation of mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes as potential therapeutic agents.
Main Results:
- Methylation variations across biological pathways are associated with BPD.
- Histone modifications show potential for therapeutic intervention due to their reversibility.
- Mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes demonstrate promise in modulating non-coding RNA for BPD treatment.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic modifications are complex and universal in BPD occurrence and development.
- Further biochemical investigation is needed to understand the diverse epigenetic changes.
- Exosomes and extracellular vesicles offer innovative approaches for precise epigenetic regulation in BPD therapy.
Abstract:
While perinatal medicine advancements have bolstered survival outcomes for premature infants, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) continues to threaten their long-term health. Gene-environment interactions, mediated by epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation, take center stage in BPD pathogenesis. Recent discoveries link methylation variations across biological pathways with BPD. Also, the potential reversibility of histone modifications fuels new treatment avenues. The review also highlights the promise of utilizing mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes as BPD therapies, given their ability to modulate non-coding RNA, opening novel research and intervention possibilities. IMPACT: The complexity and universality of epigenetic modifications in the occurrence and development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia were thoroughly discussed. Both molecular and cellular mechanisms contribute to the diverse nature of epigenetic changes, suggesting the need for deeper biochemical techniques to explore these molecular alterations. The utilization of innovative cell-specific drug delivery methods like exosomes and extracellular vesicles holds promise in achieving precise epigenetic regulation.
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