Implication of epigenetics in pancreas development and disease. Issue 6 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Quilichini, Evans; Haumaitre, Cécile
• Is Part Of: Best practice & research. Volume 29:Issue 6(2015)
• Page Start: 883
• Page End: 898
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: epigenetics -- pancreas development -- β-cells -- DNA methylation -- histone modifications -- non-coding RNAs -- stem cell differentiation -- diabetes -- pancreatic cancer; Endocrine glands -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Disorders -- Periodicals; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Periodicals; 616.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2015.10.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1521-690X

Abstract

Abstract : Pancreas development is controlled by a complex interaction of signaling pathways and transcription factor networks that determine pancreatic specification and differentiation of exocrine and endocrine cells. Epigenetics adds a new layer of gene regulation. DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs recently appeared as important epigenetic factors regulating pancreas development. In this review, we report recent findings obtained by analyses in model organisms as well as genome-wide approaches that demonstrate the role of these epigenetic regulators in the control of exocrine and endocrine cell differentiation, identity, function, proliferation and regeneration. We also highlight how altered epigenetic processes contribute to pancreatic disorders: diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Uncovering these epigenetic events can help to better understand these diseases, provide novel therapeutical targets for their treatment, and improve cell-based therapies for diabetes.