[Update on epigenetic regulation in pathophysiologies of stress-induced psychiatric disorders].
Recent research has demonstrated that complex 'epigenetic' mechanisms, which regulate gene transcription without altering the DNA code, could play a critical role in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. The present review summarizes recent evidence for the existence of sustained epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation in several psychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and Rett syndrome. The gene transcriptions of the key molecules such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or Reelin that play a role in on psychiatric disorders are regulated with histone modification or DNA methylation. Furthermore, one potential mechanism whereby stress can disrupt prenatal and/or neonatal development is through epigenetics, because the key issue of epigenetics is its long-term influence. In addition, we also found in the recent research that the epigenetic mechanism of gene regulation, especially histonedeacetylase, in the brain may be involved in the development of emotional resistance to stress stimuli. A better understanding of epigenetic regulation might provide new therapeutic avenues for disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, Rett syndrome and neurodevelopmental diseases.
Miyagawa
Kazuya
K
Division of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, Ohtawara, Japan.
Tsuji
Minoru
M
Fujimori
Kanji
K
Takeda
Hiroshi
H
D000818:Animals; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000502:physiology; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / Q000502:physiology; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D006655:Histone Deacetylases / Q000502:physiology; D006657:Histones; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D000091042:Reelin Protein; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000502:physiology; D058825:Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D006657:Histones; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D000091042:Reelin Protein; D058825:Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists; C000717127:RELN protein, human; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases; D006655:Histone Deacetylases