Epigenetic Alterations in Muscular Disorders. (18th June 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lanzuolo, Chiara
• Other Names: Palacios Daniela Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Comparative and functional genomics. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-06-18
• Subjects: Genomics -- Periodicals; Genomes -- Periodicals; Cytogenetics -- Periodicals; 572.86
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/256892
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1531-6912

Abstract

Abstract : Epigenetic mechanisms, acting via chromatin organization, fix in time and space different transcriptional programs and contribute to the quality, stability, and heritability of cell-specific transcription programs. In the last years, great advances have been made in our understanding of mechanisms by which this occurs in normal subjects. However, only a small part of the complete picture has been revealed. Abnormal gene expression patterns are often implicated in the development of different diseases, and thus epigenetic studies from patients promise to fill an important lack of knowledge, deciphering aberrant molecular mechanisms at the basis of pathogenesis and diseases progression. The identification of epigenetic modifications that could be used as targets for therapeutic interventions could be particularly timely in the light of pharmacologically reversion of pathological perturbations, avoiding changes in DNA sequences. Here I discuss the available information on epigenetic mechanisms that, altered in neuromuscular disorders, could contribute to the progression of the disease.