title: An evolving view of epigenetic complexity in the brain.
abstract: Recent scientific advances have revolutionized our understanding of classical epigenetic mechanisms and the broader landscape of molecular interactions and cellular functions that are inextricably linked to these processes. Our current view of epigenetics includes an increasing appreciation for the dynamic nature of DNA methylation, active mechanisms for DNA demethylation, differential functions of 5-methylcytosine and its oxidized derivatives, the intricate regulatory logic of histone post-translational modifications, the incorporation of histone variants into chromatin, nucleosome occupancy and dynamics, and direct links between cellular signalling pathways and the actions of chromatin 'reader', 'writer' and 'eraser' molecules. We also have an increasing awareness of the seemingly ubiquitous roles played by diverse classes of selectively expressed non-coding RNAs in transcriptional, post-transcriptional, post-translational and local and higher order chromatin modulatory processes. These perspectives are still evolving with novel insights continuing to emerge rapidly (e.g. those related to epigenetic regulation of mobile genetic elements, epigenetic mechanisms in mitochondria, roles in nuclear architecture and 'RNA epigenetics'). The precise functions of these epigenetic factors/phenomena are largely unknown. However, it is unequivocal that they serve as key mediators of brain complexity and flexibility, including neural development and aging, cellular differentiation, homeostasis, stress responses, and synaptic and neural network connectivity and plasticity.
authors.affiliation: Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
authors.forename: Irfan A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Qureshi
authors.affiliation: Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Ruth S. and David L. Gottesman Stem Cell Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Center for Epigenomics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA mark.mehler@einstein.yu.edu.
authors.forename: Mark F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Mehler
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D042002:Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly / Q000502:physiology*; D019175:DNA Methylation / Q000502:physiology*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000502:physiology*; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D022661:RNA, Untranslated / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D006657:Histones; D022661:RNA, Untranslated
keywords: DNA methylation; chromatin; epigenetic; histone modification; non-coding RNA