Epigenetics and epilepsy

Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurologic conditions, affecting about 82 million persons worldwide. Epilepsy is characterized by spontaneous recurrent convulsive or nonconvulsive seizures. Most epilepsies in adulthood are acquired and can be traced back to an initiating injurious event to the brain, such as a traumatic brain injury, stroke, status epilepticus, or viral brain infection. Epileptogenesis is a multifactorial process that turns a healthy brain into an epileptic brain. Numerous studies have shown that epigenomic reprogramming plays a major role in the epileptogenic process. Understanding the epigenetic mechanisms implicated in the development and progression of epilepsy may lead to the development of novel disease-modifying therapeutics. Here we will discuss epigenetic mechanisms implicated in epilepsy and its development, considering especially how environmental factors such as diet can shape those epigenetic changes. Additionally, we will further explore the epigenetic links between epilepsy and its comorbidities, focusing particularly on depression. Lastly, we will outline the therapeutic potential of novel approaches to influence the development of epilepsy and its progression through epigenomic reprogramming.