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Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

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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.
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Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity refer to the ability of drugs to cause genetic defects and induce cancer, respectively. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies agents into four groups based on their carcinogenic potential. Group 1 agents are known human carcinogens; group 2A agents are probably carcinogenic to humans; group 3 agents lack data to support their role in carcinogenesis; and group 4 includes agents for which data support that they are not likely to be...
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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.
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Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
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Proteins can undergo many types of post-translational modifications, often in response to changes in their environment. These modifications play an important role in the function and stability of these proteins. Covalently linked molecules include functional groups, such as methyl, acetyl, and phosphate groups, and also small proteins, such as ubiquitin. There are around 200 different types of covalent regulators that have been identified.
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Updated: May 27, 2025

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers
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Epigenetic Modifications Associated With Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Firefighting.

Jaclyn M Goodrich1, Melissa A Furlong2, Derek J Urwin3,4

  • 1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis
|February 19, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Wildland-urban interface (WUI) fire exposure altered microRNA (miRNA) expression in firefighters but did not significantly change DNA methylation. This suggests potential epigenetic shifts related to WUI firefighting hazards.

Keywords:
DNA methylationbiomarkersepigenomicsfirefightingmicroRNAmolecular epidemiologyoccupational healthwildland–urban interface

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Epigenetics
  • Occupational Health

Background:

  • Wildland-urban interface (WUI) firefighters face significant toxic exposures from burning vegetation and structures, often without adequate respiratory protection.
  • Epigenetic modifications, such as microRNA (miRNA) expression and DNA methylation, are known to respond to toxicant exposure and are implicated in disease development.
  • The impact of WUI fire exposure on epigenetic markers in firefighters has not been previously studied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of WUI fire exposure on miRNA expression and DNA methylation in firefighters.
  • To identify specific epigenetic changes associated with WUI fire response activities.

Main Methods:

  • Blood samples were collected from 99 firefighters (79 with WUI fire exposure) at baseline and ~10 months later.
  • Quantified relative abundance of 800 miRNAs using the nCounter Human v3 miRNA expression panel.
  • Assessed genome-wide blood leukocyte DNA methylation using the Infinium EPIC array.
  • Linear mixed models were used to analyze changes in miRNA expression and DNA methylation over time, adjusting for confounders.

Main Results:

  • Significant alterations in the expression of 65 miRNAs were observed between baseline and follow-up in all firefighters.
  • When restricted to firefighters with WUI fire exposure, 50 miRNAs showed significant changes.
  • Expression of tumor suppressor miRNA hsa-miR-518c-3p was significantly associated with WUI fire response.
  • No statistically significant changes in DNA methylation were identified over the study period.

Conclusions:

  • Wildland-urban interface fire exposures during a wildfire season can alter miRNA expression in firefighters.
  • DNA methylation levels did not show substantial changes in response to WUI fire exposure over the observed period.
  • Findings suggest that miRNA expression may serve as a sensitive biomarker for WUI fire exposure and associated health risks.