Insights into the Role of Histone Methylation in Brain Aging and Potential Therapeutic Interventions.
Nikolaos VitorakisChristina PiperiPublished in: International journal of molecular sciences (2023)
Epigenetic mechanisms play a primary role in the cellular damage associated with brain aging. Histone posttranslational modifications represent intrinsic molecular alterations essential for proper physiological functioning, while divergent expression and activity have been detected in several aspects of brain aging. Aberrant histone methylation has been involved in neural stem cell (NSC) quiescence, microglial deficits, inflammatory processes, memory impairment, cognitive decline, neurodegenerative diseases, and schizophrenia. Herein, we provide an overview of recent studies on epigenetic regulation of brain tissue aging, mainly focusing on the role of histone methylation in different cellular and functional aspects of the aging process. Emerging targeting strategies of histone methylation are further explored, including neuroprotective drugs, natural compounds, and lifestyle modifications with therapeutic potential towards the aging process of the brain.
Keyphrases
- dna methylation
- resting state
- cognitive decline
- white matter
- genome wide
- stem cells
- cerebral ischemia
- functional connectivity
- gene expression
- physical activity
- oxidative stress
- traumatic brain injury
- metabolic syndrome
- cardiovascular disease
- bipolar disorder
- inflammatory response
- working memory
- brain injury
- long non coding rna
- spinal cord injury