Discussing the implication of DNA methylation in human diseases

DNA methylation is a key factor in the regulation of organismal development and tissue homeostasis. DNA methylation marks indicate how to regulate transcription of genes, transposons and other repetitive elements, and contribute to the formation of heterochromatic regions in the genome (i.e. pericentromeric and telomeric regions, the inactive X chromosome in females) and to chromatin compaction. In the last years the advent of more and more sensitive technologies has allowed us to greatly expand our knowledge on DNA methylation dynamics, alteration in embryos and specific adult tissues, thus revealing new perspectives for understanding mechanisms of human diseases.



DNA methylation appears to be changed during aging and in age-related diseases. It is involved in neurodevelopment and thus it has been widely sought in neurodegenerative diseases. However, this

is not the only implication in human health. Epidemiologic studies have, indeed, identified the involvement of DNA methylation in common diseases such as metabolic disorders, autoimmune

diseases and psychological disorders. DNA methylation modifications have been also described in the context of cancer development and several types of human tumors. Interestingly, diet and environmental factors have a relevant impact on DNA methylation and, as such, contribute to disease progression and clinical manifestations. All these findings give researchers the possibility to elucidate pathways, uncover novel correlations,

and identify new targets for therapies for human diseases associated with DNA methylation alterations.



This research topic intends to consolidate the current knowledge regarding how and why DNA methylation changes in human diseases and the expected and unexpected consequences of these

changes.



Researchers are invited to submit manuscripts addressing the following themes:

1) DNA methylation markers in human diseases: how they may contribute to the disease progression and its clinical manifestations;

2) Diet and environmental factors play a role in changing DNA methylation patterns: how nutrient intake and environmental exposure impact DNA methylation marks shaping the progression of human diseases, and how specific nutritional interventions can alleviate clinical symptoms through DNA methylation regulation;

3) DNA methylation involvement in genotype-phenotype discrepancies in human diseases;

4) New cellular and molecular features correlated to DNA methylation alteration in human diseases;

5) Therapeutic Strategies and personalised medicine options, clinical applications based on the known DNA methylation alterations in human diseases.



Researchers are welcome to submit original research articles and methodological papers, case reports, reviews and mini-reviews on the topic.

Dr. Andrea Fuso is currently a consultant to Gnosis by Lesaffre and to Aurora Biosearch. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests.