[Role of epigenetic modification in higher brain dysfunction and aging].

Abstract

Epigenetic mechanisms typically involve heritable alterations in chromatin structure, which, in turn, regulate gene expression. Fundamental insights about epigenetic heritability have come from studies of cell division and development. However, there is increasing evidence that the regulation of chromatin structure through histone modifications and DNA methylation might mediate the expression of key genes involved in acquired chronic disorders. This idea is fascinating because similar mechanisms are used for triggering and storing long-term memories at the cellular level during, for example, higher-brain dysfunction, stress disease, drug dependence, aging, and chronic pain. This review will explore the most current issues in the field of epigenetics, with a focus on next levels of transcriptional mechanisms underlying aging, enriched environment and drug addiction. Epigenetic mechanisms, which are key cellular and molecular processes that integrate diverse environmental stimuli to exert potent and often long-lasting changes in gene expression through the regulation of chromatin structure, contribute to transcriptional and behavioral changes.