title: Epigenome Editing: State of the Art, Concepts, and Perspectives.
abstract: Epigenome editing refers to the directed alteration of chromatin marks at specific genomic loci by using targeted EpiEffectors which comprise designed DNA recognition domains (zinc finger, TAL effector, or modified CRISPR/Cas9 complex) and catalytic domains from a chromatin-modifying enzyme. Epigenome editing is a promising approach for durable gene regulation, with many applications in basic research including the investigation of the regulatory functions and logic of chromatin modifications and cellular reprogramming. From a clinical point of view, targeted regulation of disease-related genes offers novel therapeutic avenues for many diseases. We review here the progress made in this field and discuss open questions in epigenetic regulation and its stability, methods to increase the specificity of epigenome editing, and improved delivery methods for targeted EpiEffectors. Future work will reveal if the approach of epigenome editing fulfills its great promise in basic research and clinical applications.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biochemistry, Stuttgart University, Pfaffenwaldring 55, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.
authors.forename: Goran
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kungulovski
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biochemistry, Stuttgart University, Pfaffenwaldring 55, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany. Electronic address: albert.jeltsch@ibc.uni-stuttgart.de.
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jeltsch
mesh_terms: D065150:Cellular Reprogramming; D002843:Chromatin; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D057890:Epigenomics / Q000379:methods*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D000072417:Protein Domains; D058615:Synthetic Biology / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin; D004247:DNA
keywords: DNA recognition; cell reprogramming; chromatin modification; gene regulation; molecular epigenetics; synthetic biology