a concise review on epigenetic regulation insight into molecular mechanisms简洁回顾表观遗传调控洞察分子机制.pdfVIP

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12, 8661-8694; doi:10.3390/ijm OPEN ACCESS International Journal of Molecular Sciences ISSN 1422-0067 /journal/ijms Review A Concise Review on Epigenetic Regulation: Insight into Molecular Mechanisms Shahram Golbabapour *, Mahmood Ameen Abdulla and Maryam Hajrezaei Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; E-Mails: ammeen@.my (M.A.A.); maryam_hajrezaie@ (M.H.) * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ugreenk@; Tel.: +603-7967-6604; Fax: +603-7967-6600. Received: 9 August 2011; in revised form: 7 November 2011 / Accepted: 10 November 2011 / Published: 30 November 2011 Abstract: Epigenetic mechanisms are responsible for the regulation of transcription of imprinted genes and those that induce a totipotent state. Starting just after fertilization, DNA methylation pattern undergoes establishment, reestablishment and maintenance. These modifications are important for normal embryo and placental developments. Throughout life and passing to the next generation, epigenetic events establish, maintain, erase and reestablish. In the context of differentiated cell reprogramming, demethylation and activation of genes whose expressions contribute to the pluripotent state is the crux of the matter. In this review, firstly, regulatory epigenetic mec