Epigenetics and epilepsy.
BACKGROUND
Epigenetics is the study of heritable modifications in gene expression that do not change the DNA nucleotide sequence. Some of the most thoroughly studied epigenetic mechanisms at present are DNA methylation, post-transcriptional modifications of histones, and the effect of non-coding RNA molecules. Gene expression is regulated by means of these mechanisms and disruption of these molecular pathways may elicit development of diseases.


METHODS
We describe the main epigenetic regulatory mechanisms and review the most recent literature about epigenetic mechanisms and how those mechanisms are involved in different epileptic syndromes.


CONCLUSIONS
Identifying the epigenetic mechanisms involved in epilepsy is a promising line of research that will deliver more in-depth knowledge of epilepsy pathophysiology and treatments.
Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, España; Navarrabiomed, Pamplona, Navarra, España. Electronic address: lpfontes7@yahoo.es.
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L
Pulido Fontes
Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, España.
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Quesada Jimenez
Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, España; Navarrabiomed, Pamplona, Navarra, España.
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Mendioroz Iriarte
D000818:Animals; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000235:genetics*; D006657:Histones / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans
D006657:Histones
Epigenetics; Epigenética; Epilepsia; Epilepsy; Epileptogenesis; Epileptogénesis; Neurodesarrollo; Neurodevelopment