Epigenetic Regulations in Neuropsychiatric Disorders

• Authors: Janise N. Kuehner, Emory University; Emily C. Bruggeman, Emory University; Zhexing Wen, Emory University; Bing Yao, Emory University
• Journal Title: Frontiers in Genetics
• Volume: Volume 10
• Publisher: Frontiers Media | 2019-04-04, Pages 268-268
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2019.00268
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Mental Health; Biology, Genetics; Biology, Neuroscience
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Genetics & Heredity; epigenetics; neuropsychiatric disorders; DNA methylation; Rett syndrome; Fragile X syndrome; autism spectrum disorders; schizophrenia; major depressive disorders; MENTAL-RETARDATION PROTEIN; LONG NONCODING RNAS; CHROMATIN-REMODELING COMPLEX; DNA METHYLTRANSFERASES DNMT3A; CLUSTERED PROTOCADHERIN GENES; MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER; H3 LYSINE-27 METHYLATION; CELL SELF-RENEWAL; FRAGILE-X; DE-NOVO

Abstract

Precise genetic and epigenetic spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression is critical for proper brain development, function and circuitry formation in the mammalian central nervous system. Neuronal differentiation processes are tightly regulated by epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodelers and non-coding RNAs. Dysregulation of any of these pathways is detrimental to normal neuronal development and functions, which can result in devastating neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of epigenetic regulations in brain development and functions, as well as their implications in neuropsychiatric disorders.