Maintenance of alternative chromatin states through cell divisions pose some fundamental constraints on the dynamics of histone modifications. In this paper, we study the systems biology of epigenetic inheritance by defining and analyzing general classes of mathematical models. We discuss how the number of modification states involved plays an essential role in the stability of epigenetic states. In addition, DNA duplication and the consequent dilution of marked histones act as a large perturbation for a stable state of histone modifications. The requirement that this large perturbation falls into the basin of attraction of the original state sometimes leads to additional constraints on effective models. Two such models, inspired by two different biological systems, are compared in their fulfilling the requirements of multistability and of recovery after DNA duplication. We conclude that in the presence of multiple histone modifications that characterize alternative epigenetic stable states, these requirements are more easily fulfilled.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3034166 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtbi.2008.12.021 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Leveraging Epigenetic Alterations in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma for Clinical Applications.
Semin Cancer Biol
January 2025
Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia. Electronic address:
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy characterized by late detection and poor prognosis. Recent research highlights the pivotal role of epigenetic alter- ations in driving PDAC development and progression. These changes, in conjunction with genetic mutations, contribute to the intricate molecular landscape of the disease.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFImmunohistochemical Profiling of Histone Modification Biomarkers Identifies Subtype-Specific Epigenetic Signatures and Potential Drug Targets in Breast Cancer.
Int J Mol Sci
January 2025
School of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China.
Breast cancer (BC) subtypes exhibit distinct epigenetic landscapes, with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacking effective targeted therapies. This study investigates histone biomarkers and therapeutic vulnerabilities across BC subtypes. The immunohistochemical profiling of >20 histone biomarkers, including histone modifications, modifiers, and oncohistone mutations, was conducted on a discovery cohort and a validation cohort of BC tissues, healthy controls, and cell line models.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOxidative-Stress-Mediated Epigenetic Dysregulation in Spermatogenesis: Implications for Male Infertility and Offspring Health.
Genes (Basel)
January 2025
Third Department of Urology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece.
Male reproductive health is governed by an intricate interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Epigenetic mechanisms-encompassing DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA activity-are crucial both for spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. However, oxidative stress, driven by excessive reactive oxygen species, disrupts these processes, leading to impaired sperm function and male infertility.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEpigenetic Regulation of Stromal and Immune Cells and Therapeutic Targets in the Tumor Microenvironment.
Biomolecules
January 2025
College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311402, China.
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in neoplastic initiation and progression. Epigenetic machinery, governing the expression of core oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in transformed cells, significantly contributes to tumor development at both primary and distant sites. Recent studies have illuminated how epigenetic mechanisms integrate external cues and downstream signals, altering the phenotype of stromal cells and immune cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Intersection of Epigenetics and Senolytics in Mechanisms of Aging and Therapeutic Approaches.
Biomolecules
December 2024
Experimental Research Center for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania.
The biological process of aging is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors. Recent advancements in the fields of epigenetics and senolytics offer promising avenues for understanding and addressing age-related diseases. Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, with mechanisms like DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation playing critical roles in aging.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!