Semin Cell Dev Biol, 2020 · DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.04.001 · Published: January 1, 2020
Mammals have limited ability to repair damaged neuronal tissue, unlike some other species. This review explores how epigenetic factors, which control gene expression, might be involved in neuronal regeneration, focusing on the retina, inner ear, and spinal cord. Epigenetic modifications like changes in DNA accessibility and histone modification can regulate cellular gene expression during regeneration. Understanding these epigenetic mechanisms could lead to new therapies to stimulate regeneration in humans. By comparing regenerative and non-regenerative species, scientists aim to understand the role of the epigenome in regulating tissue repair. Targeted approaches to modify the epigenome may be key to stimulating regeneration in organisms with limited regenerative abilities.
Understanding epigenetic mechanisms in regeneration can lead to new therapies for neuronal tissue repair.
Developing targeted approaches to modify the epigenome could stimulate regeneration in non-regenerative systems.
Combining neurogenic transcription factors with targeted epigenetic remodeling may produce the best results in generating new neurons in diseased and damaged tissue.