Targeting epigenetics in nervous system disease.

Abstract

Epigenetics is key to understanding modulation of gene expression at specific stages and conditions in nervous system development and function. In epigenetic processes, a variety of enzymes contribute to modify chromatin with methyl, acetyl or other chemical marks, leading to repression or activation of the targeted gene without altering the original sequence. Aberrant activities of these epigenetic enzymes are implicated in many nervous system diseases, including neurodevelopmental disorders, brain cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and mental illnesses. Thus, they have emerged as new targets for treating a variety of nervous system disorders. In this review, we briefly summarize the association between various epigenetic mechanisms and discuss recent progress in drug discovery efforts involving epigenetic regulators.

• Authors: Ruihan Zhang, Junyan Lu, Xiangqian Kong, Lu Jin, Cheng Luo
• Journal: CNS & neurological disorders drug targets (CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets) Vol. 12 Issue 1 Pg. 126-41 (Feb 01 2013) ISSN: 1996-3181 [Electronic] United Arab Emirates
• PMID: 23244434 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
• Histones

Topics

• Animals
• DNA Methylation (drug effects, physiology)
• Drug Delivery Systems (methods)
• Epigenesis, Genetic (drug effects, physiology)
• Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors (administration & dosage, metabolism)
• Histones (genetics, metabolism)
• Humans
• Nervous System Diseases (drug therapy, genetics, metabolism)