Epigenetics explained: a topic "primer" for the epilepsy community by the ILAE Genetics/Epigenetics Task Force
Kobow K, Reid CA, van Vliet EA, Becker AJ, Carvill GL, Goldman AM, Hirose S, Lopes-Cendes I, Khiari HM, Poduri A, Johnson MR, Henshall DC (2020)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2020
Journal
Book Volume: 22
Pages Range: 127-141
Journal Issue: 2
Abstract
Epigenetics refers broadly to processes that influence medium to long-term gene expression by changing the readability and accessibility of the genetic code. The Neurobiology Commission of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) recently convened a Task Force to explore and disseminate advances in epigenetics to better understand their role and intersection with genetics and the neurobiology of epilepsies and their co-morbidities, and to accelerate translation of these findings into the development of better therapies. Here, we provide a topic primer on epigenetics, explaining the key processes and findings to date in experimental and human epilepsy. We review the growing list of genes with epigenetic functions that have been linked with epilepsy in humans. We consider potential practical applications, including using epigenetic signals as biomarkers for tissue- and biofluid-based diagnostics and the prospects for developing epigenetic-based treatments for epilepsy. We include a glossary of terms, FAQs and other supports to facilitate a broad understanding of the topic for the non-expert. Last, we review the limitations, research gaps and the next challenges. In summary, epigenetic processes represent important mechanisms controlling the activity of genes, providing opportunities for insight into disease mechanisms, biomarkers and novel therapies for epilepsy.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
The University of Melbourne
Australia (AU)
University of Amsterdam
Netherlands (NL)
Universitätsklinikum Bonn
Germany (DE)
Imperial College London / The Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
United Kingdom (GB)
University of Fukuoka
Japan (JP)
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
Ireland (IE)
Northwestern University
United States (USA) (US)
Veterans Affairs Healthcare System Boston and Harvard Medical School
United States (USA) (US)
Baylor College of Medicine
United States (USA) (US)
Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) / University of Campinas
Brazil (BR)
Australia (AU)
University of Amsterdam
Netherlands (NL)
Universitätsklinikum Bonn
Germany (DE)
Imperial College London / The Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
United Kingdom (GB)
University of Fukuoka
Japan (JP)
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
Ireland (IE)
Northwestern University
United States (USA) (US)
Veterans Affairs Healthcare System Boston and Harvard Medical School
United States (USA) (US)
Baylor College of Medicine
United States (USA) (US)
Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) / University of Campinas
Brazil (BR)
How to cite
APA:
Kobow, K., Reid, C.A., van Vliet, E.A., Becker, A.J., Carvill, G.L., Goldman, A.M.,... Henshall, D.C. (2020). Epigenetics explained: a topic "primer" for the epilepsy community by the ILAE Genetics/Epigenetics Task Force. Epileptic Disorders, 22(2), 127-141. https://doi.org/10.1684/epd.2020.1143
MLA:
Kobow, Katja, et al. "Epigenetics explained: a topic "primer" for the epilepsy community by the ILAE Genetics/Epigenetics Task Force." Epileptic Disorders 22.2 (2020): 127-141.
BibTeX: Download