Decoding epigenetic codes: new frontiers in exploring recovery from spinal cord injury

Neural Regeneration Research, 2020 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.276323 · Published: February 28, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Genetics

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to permanent neurological disability due to the failure to reconstruct damaged neural circuits. Epigenetic regulation, which modifies gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, plays a vital role in these processes. Epigenetic changes after SCI are linked to axon regeneration, glial cell activation, and the creation of new nerve cells. Recognizing these changes could lead to new treatments for SCI. This review focuses on how epigenetic regulation affects axon regeneration and secondary injury after SCI, aiming to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Histone modifications, such as acetylation and methylation, significantly influence axon regeneration by modulating the expression of regeneration-associated genes (RAGs).
2
DNA methylation, regulated by DNMTs and demethylation proteins, acts as a key epigenetic code inhibiting axon regeneration. Manipulating these codes may promote axon regeneration.
3
MicroRNAs (miRs) are crucial epigenetic regulators that manipulate axon regeneration after SCI. Certain miRs can either promote or inhibit axon extension and functional recovery.

Research Summary

SCI-induced neurological disability is predominantly attributed to failure of axons to regenerate in a spinal cord lesion. Recent studies have demonstrated that epigenetic regulations play pivotal roles in both axonal intrinsic regenerative responses and the regulation of extrinsic elements. These breakthroughs provide favorable candidates for SCI research and are promising targets for clinical SCI therapy.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Targets

Epigenetic modifications offer promising targets for clinical SCI therapy by influencing axon regeneration, glial activation, and inflammatory responses.

Prognostic Biomarkers

Epigenetic biomarkers, such as circulating miRs, can be used to forecast SCI prognosis and evaluate treatment efficacy.

Rehabilitation Strategies

Exogenous stimulation-induced epigenetic modifications may enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation therapies like electric stimulation.

Study Limitations

1
The precise epigenetic mechanisms underlying SCI remain unclear.
2
Off-target effects and delivery concerns related to miRs-based therapies.
3
Limited blood-derived epigenetic biomarkers have been developed from human SCI patients.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury