Epigenetics of Alzheimer's disease

Nikolac Perkovic, Matea (author), Videtič Paska, Alja (author), Konjevod, Marcela (author), Kouter, Katarina (author), Svob Strac, Dubravka (author), Nedic Erjavec, Gordana (author), Pivac, Nela (author)

There are currently no validated biomarkers which can be used to accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease (AD) or to distinguish it from other dementia-causing neuropathologies. Moreover, to date, only symptomatic treatments exist for this progressive neurodegenerative disorder. In the search for new, more reliable biomarkers and potential therapeutic options, epigenetic modifications have emerged as important players in the pathogenesis of AD. The aim of the article was to provide a brief overview of the current knowledge regarding the role of epigenetics (including mitoepigenetics) in AD, and the possibility of applying these advances for future AD therapy. Extensive research has suggested an important role of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, histone posttranslational modifications, and non-coding RNA regulation (with the emphasis on microRNAs) in the course and development of AD. Recent studies also indicated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as an interesting biomarker of AD, since dysfunctions in the mitochondria and lower mtDNA copy number have been associated with AD pathophysiology. The current evidence suggests that epigenetic changes can be successfully detected, not only in the central nervous system, but also in the cerebrospinal fluid and on the periphery, contributing further to their potential as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets in AD.

• Language: English
• Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, epigenetics, DNA methylation, mitoepigenetics, DNA hydroxymethylation, miRNA, histone modifications
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.02 - Review Article
• Organization: MF - Faculty of Medicine
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2021
• Number of pages: 38 str.
• Numbering: Vol. 11, iss. 2, art. 195
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-134898
• UDC: 616.8
• ISSN on article: 2218-273X
• DOI: 10.3390/biom11020195
• COBISS.SI-ID: 49661699
• Publication date in RUL: 10.02.2022

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Biomolecules
• Shortened title: Biomolecules
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 2218-273X
• COBISS.SI-ID: 519952921

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.
• Licensing start date: 01.02.2021

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: Alzheimerjeva bolezen, epigenetika, metilacija DNA