Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2025

Genome-wide Analysis of Histone Modifications Distribution using the Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing Method in Magnaporthe oryzae
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Genome-wide Analysis of Histone Modifications Distribution using the Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing Method in Magnaporthe oryzae

Published on: June 2, 2021

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H3K4 Methylation and Demethylation in Fungal Pathogens: The Epigenetic Toolbox for Survival and Adaptation in the

Maruti Nandan Rai1, Rikky Rai2

  • 1College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 8, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Histone H3 lysine-4 (H3K4) methylation is crucial for pathogenic fungi adaptation. This review explores how H3K4 methylation/demethylation impacts fungal virulence and identifies potential therapeutic targets for antifungal strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Pathogenic fungi pose significant threats to human health and agriculture.
  • Epigenetic modifications, especially histone modifications, are increasingly recognized for their role in fungal pathobiology.
  • Histone H3 lysine-4 (H3K4) methylation is a key epigenetic mark influencing gene expression in fungi.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding the impact of H3K4 methylation/demethylation on fungal pathogenesis.
  • To explore the roles of H3K4 methylation in critical cellular processes related to fungal adaptation and virulence.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of H3K4 methylation regulators.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on H3K4 methylation in pathogenic fungi.
  • Analysis of the roles of H3K4 methylation in various fungal cellular processes.
  • Examination of the conservation and therapeutic potential of H3K4 methylation regulators.

Main Results:

  • H3K4 methylation is involved in fungal morphogenesis, genome stability, DNA repair, metabolic adaptation, cell wall maintenance, biofilm formation, drug resistance, and virulence.
  • Demethylation of H3K4 also plays significant roles in these processes.
  • Regulators of H3K4 methylation are conserved across fungal pathogens.

Conclusions:

  • H3K4 methylation is intricately linked to fungal pathogenesis and adaptation.
  • Understanding H3K4 methylation dynamics offers potential for developing novel antifungal strategies.
  • H3K4 methylation regulators represent promising therapeutic targets for combating fungal diseases.
Keywords:
H3K4 demethylationH3K4 methylationchromatinfungal pathogenesisfungal pathogensstress responsetranscription regulationvirulence

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