Human neuronal cells: epigenetic aspects

Biomol Concepts. 2013 Aug;4(4):319-33. doi: 10.1515/bmc-2012-0053.

Abstract

Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) promote histone posttranslational modifications, which lead to an epigenetic alteration in gene expression. Aberrant regulation of HATs and HDACs in neuronal cells results in pathological consequences such as neurodegeneration. Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease of the brain, which has devastating effects on patients and loved ones. The use of pan-HDAC inhibitors has shown great therapeutic promise in ameliorating neurodegenerative ailments. Recent evidence has emerged suggesting that certain deacetylases mediate neurotoxicity, whereas others provide neuroprotection. Therefore, the inhibition of certain isoforms to alleviate neurodegenerative manifestations has now become the focus of studies. In this review, we aimed to discuss and summarize some of the most recent and promising findings of HAT and HDAC functions in neurodegenerative diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy
  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Cognition
  • Epigenesis, Genetic* / drug effects
  • Epigenomics
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Histone Acetyltransferases / metabolism
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Histone Deacetylases / metabolism
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / drug therapy
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / genetics*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism
  • Neurons / metabolism*

Substances

  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
  • Histones
  • Histone Acetyltransferases
  • Histone Deacetylases