Title:An Updated Review on the Significance of DNA and Protein
Methyltransferases and De-methylases in Human Diseases: From
Molecular Mechanism to Novel Therapeutic Approaches
Volume: 31
Issue: 23
Author(s): Mohammad Ghanbari, Negin Sadi Khosroshahi, Maryam Alamdar, Adel Abdi, Aida Aghazadeh, Mohammad Ali Hosseinpour Feizi and Mehdi Haghi*
Affiliation:
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Keywords:
Epigenetics, DNA methylation, histone methylation, methyltransferases, demethylases, human disease.
Abstract: Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial in regulating gene expression. These mechanisms
include DNA methylation and histone modifications, like methylation, acetylation,
and phosphorylation. DNA methylation is associated with gene expression suppression;
however, histone methylation can stimulate or repress gene expression depending on the
methylation pattern of lysine or arginine residues on histones. These modifications are key
factors in mediating the environmental effect on gene expression regulation. Therefore,
their aberrant activity is associated with the development of various diseases. The current
study aimed to review the significance of DNA and histone methyltransferases and demethylases
in developing various conditions, like cardiovascular diseases, myopathies, diabetes,
obesity, osteoporosis, cancer, aging, and central nervous system conditions. A better
understanding of the epigenetic roles in developing diseases can pave the way for developing
novel therapeutic approaches for affected patients.