The Vast Complexity of the Epigenetic Landscape during Neurodevelopment: An Open Frame to Understanding Brain Function

Abstract

Development is a well-defined stage-to-stage process that allows the coordination and maintenance of the structure and function of cells and their progenitors, in a complete organism embedded in an environment that, in turn, will shape cellular responses to external stimuli. Epigenetic mechanisms comprise a group of process that regulate genetic expression without changing the DNA sequence, and they contribute to the necessary plasticity of individuals to face a constantly changing medium. These mechanisms act in conjunction with genetic pools and their correct interactions will be crucial to zygote formation, embryo development, and brain tissue organization. In this work, we will summarize the main findings related to DNA methylation and histone modifications in embryonic stem cells and throughout early development phases. Furthermore, we will critically outline some key observations on how epigenetic mechanisms influence the rest of the developmental process and how long its footprint is extended from fecundation to adulthood.

Differential Methylation of H3K79 Reveals DOT1L Target Genes and Function in the Cerebellum In Vivo

“…DNA methylation and histone acetylation are the most intensive studied epigenetic modifications in brain development [8, 9]. Recent studies report on the emerging role of histone methylations [10]. However, little is known about the implication of histone modifications specific for the development and function of the cerebellum.…”

Efecto Spillover en los cuidadores de infantes de 1.5 a 5 años durante la pandemia del COVID-19

“…Las características sociodemográficas de los cuidadores pueden influir en la respuesta al estrés (2) por la cuarentena , a su vez modificar la interacción entre los cuidadores y los infantes, lo que afecta el (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11) apego en vez de generar ansiedad en los infantes .…”

“…El estatus socio-económico bajo, incrementa el riesgo a exponerse a eventos/experiencias negativas relacionadas con el entorno donde viven, como pueden ser el desorden o inestabilidad familiar; estos eventos negativos en la vida generan un disregulación biológica similar a un estado inmune inflamatoria que conlleva a cambios epigenéticos en el neurodesarrollo de manera negativa, también crea el efecto de apagado, que disminuye la percepción de estímulos nocivos del entorno e incluye los estímulos adecuados, afectando los eje social y del (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11) lenguaje , estas señales de retroalimentación intervienen con la maduración y polarización (12) neuronal adecuada para el neurodesarrollo ; por lo cual están relacionadas con el desarrollo de (13) trastornos mentales en el adulto .…”

Epigenetics of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Comes of Age with Roles in Clinical and Educational Applications

“…I am very proud of the papers contributed to this section that consists of eight review articles by top-level epigenetic researchers in the world. Through this issue, readers will learn current epigenetic understanding of brain function, congenital NDs, and acquired NDs [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. More precisely, Cariaga-Martínez et al extensively described epigenetic properties in embryonic stem cells and throughout early development phases [ 12 ].…”

“…Through this issue, readers will learn current epigenetic understanding of brain function, congenital NDs, and acquired NDs [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. More precisely, Cariaga-Martínez et al extensively described epigenetic properties in embryonic stem cells and throughout early development phases [ 12 ]. Ma et al revealed a microRNA involved in the pathogenesis of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and its therapeutic use with complementary oligonucleotides of this microRNA [ 13 ].…”