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Epigenomes, Volume 9, Issue 3 (September 2025) – 12 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Cellular metabolism influences the epigenome via crucial cofactors, including folate, vitamins B12/B6, and metabolic intermediates such as acetyl-CoA, α-ketoglutarate, and related molecules, which are instrumental in regulating diverse epigenetic processes. Concurrently, bioactive compounds such as polyphenols possess the capacity to modulate a broad spectrum of chromatin-modifying enzymes. In this context, well-balanced nutrition emerges as an essential requisite for the maintenance of not only metabolic integrity but also epigenetic homeostasis, and diet stands as one of the most important primary external factors influencing the epigenetic landscape and transcriptional gene regulation. View this paper
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19 pages, 7442 KB  
Article
Deciphering the Heterogeneity of Pancreatic Cancer: DNA Methylation-Based Cell Type Deconvolution Unveils Distinct Subgroups and Immune Landscapes
by Barbara Mitsuyasu Barbosa, Alexandre Todorovic Fabro, Roberto da Silva Gomes and Claudia Aparecida Rainho
Epigenomes 2025, 9(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/epigenomes9030034 - 5 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy, characterized by low tumor cellularity, a dense stromal response, and intricate cellular and molecular interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although bulk omics technologies have enhanced our understanding of the molecular landscape of [...] Read more.
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy, characterized by low tumor cellularity, a dense stromal response, and intricate cellular and molecular interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although bulk omics technologies have enhanced our understanding of the molecular landscape of PDAC, the specific contributions of non-malignant immune and stromal components to tumor progression and therapeutic response remain poorly understood. Methods: We explored genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptomic data from the Cancer Genome Atlas Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma cohort (TCGA-PAAD) to profile the immune composition of the TME and uncover gene co-expression networks. Bioinformatic analyses included DNA methylation profiling followed by hierarchical deconvolution, epigenetic age estimation, and a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Results: The unsupervised clustering of methylation profiles identified two major tumor groups, with Group 2 (n = 98) exhibiting higher tumor purity and a greater frequency of KRAS mutations compared to Group 1 (n = 87) (p < 0.0001). The hierarchical deconvolution of DNA methylation data revealed three distinct TME subtypes, termed hypo-inflamed (immune-deserted), myeloid-enriched, and lymphoid-enriched (notably T-cell predominant). These immune clusters were further supported by co-expression modules identified via WGCNA, which were enriched in immune regulatory and signaling pathways. Conclusions: This integrative epigenomic–transcriptomic analysis offers a robust framework for stratifying PDAC patients based on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), providing valuable insights for biomarker discovery and the development of precision immunotherapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Epigenomes)
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14 pages, 636 KB  
Review
Innate Immune Surveillance and Recognition of Epigenetic Marks
by Yalong Wang
Epigenomes 2025, 9(3), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/epigenomes9030033 - 5 Sep 2025
Abstract
The innate immune system protects against infection and cellular damage by recognizing conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Emerging evidence suggests that aberrant epigenetic modifications—such as altered DNA methylation and histone marks—can serve as immunogenic signals that activate pattern [...] Read more.
The innate immune system protects against infection and cellular damage by recognizing conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Emerging evidence suggests that aberrant epigenetic modifications—such as altered DNA methylation and histone marks—can serve as immunogenic signals that activate pattern recognition receptor (PRR)-mediated immune surveillance. This review explores the concept that epigenetic marks may function as DAMPs or even mimic PAMPs. I highlight how unmethylated CpG motifs, which are typically suppressed using host methylation, are recognized as foreign via Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). I also examine how cytosolic DNA sensors, including cGAS, detect mislocalized or hypomethylated self-DNA resulting from genomic instability. In addition, I discuss how extracellular histones and nucleosomes released during cell death or stress can act as DAMPs that engage TLRs and activate inflammasomes. In the context of cancer, I review how epigenetic dysregulation can induce a “viral mimicry” state, where reactivation of endogenous retroelements produces double-stranded RNA sensed by RIG-I and MDA5, triggering type I interferon responses. Finally, I address open questions and future directions, including how immune recognition of epigenetic alterations might be leveraged for cancer immunotherapy or regulated to prevent autoimmunity. By integrating recent findings, this review underscores the emerging concept of the epigenome as a target of innate immune recognition, bridging the fields of immunology, epigenetics, and cancer biology. Full article
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23 pages, 4696 KB  
Systematic Review
An Epigenomic Meta-Analysis of Differentially Methylated Sites in Pre- and Post-Metabolic/Bariatric Surgery Adult Female Patients
by Agnieszka Lovett, Graham A. Hitman, Georgios K. Dimitriadis, Alice M. Murphy, Gyanendra Tripathi and Aparna Duggirala
Epigenomes 2025, 9(3), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/epigenomes9030032 - 29 Aug 2025
Viewed by 218
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Metabolic/bariatric surgery is currently the most successful treatment for patients with obesity; however, a fifth of patients undergoing surgery may not lose enough weight to be considered successful. Recent studies have shown that bariatric/metabolic surgery alters the epigenome and may explain postoperative [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Metabolic/bariatric surgery is currently the most successful treatment for patients with obesity; however, a fifth of patients undergoing surgery may not lose enough weight to be considered successful. Recent studies have shown that bariatric/metabolic surgery alters the epigenome and may explain postoperative improvements in metabolic health. The primary objective is to consolidate published differentially methylated CpG sites in pre- and post-metabolic/bariatric surgery female patients and associate them with the respective genes and pathways. Methods: This systematic review adhered to the PRISMA-P guidelines and was registered with the PROSPERO (CRD42023421852). Following an initial screening of 541 studies using COVIDENCE, six studies were selected, comprising three epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) and three candidate gene methylation studies. The published studies collected DNA samples from female patients with obesity before and after surgery (3 months, 6 months, 9–31 months, and 2 years). KEGG pathway analysis was performed on genes where the extracted CpG sites were located. Results: The meta-analysis showed that 11,456 CpG sites are differentially methylated after a successful weight loss surgery, with 109 sites mapped to genes involved in key metabolic pathways, including FoxO, mTOR, insulin, cAMP, adipocytokine, Toll-like receptor, and PI3K-Akt. Conclusion: The highlighted differentially methylated CpG sites can be further used to predict the molecular signature associated with successful metabolic/bariatric surgery. Full article
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35 pages, 938 KB  
Review
Dynamics and Malleability of Plant DNA Methylation During Abiotic Stresses
by Niraj Lodhi and Rakesh Srivastava
Epigenomes 2025, 9(3), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/epigenomes9030031 - 29 Aug 2025
Viewed by 381
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation, particularly DNA methylation, plays a crucial role in plant adaptation to environmental stresses by modulating gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. In response to major abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, heat, cold, and heavy metal toxicity, plants undergo [...] Read more.
Epigenetic regulation, particularly DNA methylation, plays a crucial role in plant adaptation to environmental stresses by modulating gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. In response to major abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, heat, cold, and heavy metal toxicity, plants undergo dynamic changes in DNA methylation patterns. These modifications are orchestrated by DNA methyltransferases and demethylases with variations depending on plant species, genetic background, and ontogenic phase. DNA methylation affects the expression of key genes involved in cellular, physiological, and metabolic processes essential for stress tolerance. Furthermore, it contributes to the establishment of stress memory, which can be transmitted across generations, thereby enhancing long-term plant resilience. The interaction of DNA methylation with other epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modifications, small RNAs, and chromatin remodeling, adds layers of regulatory complexity. Recent discoveries concerning N6-methyladenine have opened new avenues for understanding the epigenetic landscape in plant responses to abiotic stress. Overall, this review addresses the central role of DNA methylation in regulating plant stress responses and emphasizes its potential for application in crop improvement through epigenetic and advanced biotechnological approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Epigenetic Control in Plants)
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18 pages, 1503 KB  
Review
Epigenetic Mechanisms in Neurofibromatosis Types 1 and 2
by Christina Stylianides, Gavriel Hadjigavriel, Paschalis Theotokis, Efstratios Vakirlis, Soultana Meditskou, Maria Eleni Manthou and Iasonas Dermitzakis
Epigenomes 2025, 9(3), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/epigenomes9030030 - 14 Aug 2025
Viewed by 363
Abstract
Neurocutaneous syndromes, known as phakomatoses, encompass a diverse group of congenital conditions affecting the nervous system and skin, with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) among the most clinically significant. Both disorders are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. NF1 [...] Read more.
Neurocutaneous syndromes, known as phakomatoses, encompass a diverse group of congenital conditions affecting the nervous system and skin, with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) among the most clinically significant. Both disorders are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. NF1 presents with café-au-lait macules; cutaneous, subcutaneous, and plexiform neurofibromas; skeletal abnormalities; learning disabilities; and optic pathway gliomas, while NF2 is characterised by bilateral vestibular schwannomas, multiple meningiomas, ependymomas, and peripheral nerve schwannomas. Although germline mutations in the NF1 and NF2 tumour suppressor genes are well established, they do not fully explain the broad clinical variability observed, even among individuals carrying identical mutations. As increasingly recognised in other genetic diseases, epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodelling, and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) regulation, play a critical role in modulating gene expression and influencing disease severity. Despite important findings, the research remains fragmented, and a unified model is lacking. This review organises the current knowledge, emphasising how epigenetic alterations impact disease behaviour and outlining their potential as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms could lead to improved personalised management and the development of targeted epigenetic therapies for individuals with NF1 and NF2. Full article
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28 pages, 2248 KB  
Review
Role of Ionizing Radiation in Shaping the Complex Multi-Layered Epigenome
by Claudia E. Rübe, Mutaz A. Abd Al-razaq, Carola Meier, Markus Hecht and Christian Rübe
Epigenomes 2025, 9(3), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/epigenomes9030029 - 8 Aug 2025
Viewed by 498
Abstract
The impact of ionizing radiation (IR) with induction of various DNA damage is based not only on genetic but also on epigenetic effects. Epigenetic modifications determine the chromatin structure and DNA accessibility, thereby regulating cellular functions through the expression of individual genes or [...] Read more.
The impact of ionizing radiation (IR) with induction of various DNA damage is based not only on genetic but also on epigenetic effects. Epigenetic modifications determine the chromatin structure and DNA accessibility, thereby regulating cellular functions through the expression of individual genes or entire groups of genes. However, the influence of DNA repair processes on the restoration of local chromatin structures and global nuclear architectures is still insufficiently understood. In multicellular organisms, epigenetic mechanisms control diverse cellular functions of specific cell types through precise temporal and spatial regulation of gene expression and silencing. How altered epigenetic mechanisms regulate the pathophysiological function of cells, tissues, and ultimately entire organs following IR exposure remains to be investigated in detail. Radiation-induced epigenetic processes are particularly critical for immature cell populations such as tissue-specific stem and progenitor cells during development and differentiation of organ tissues. Genome-wide patterns of DNA and histone modifications are established cell types—specifically during the development and differentiation of organ tissues but can also be fundamentally altered in adult organism by stress responses, such as radiation-induced DNA damage. Following IR exposure, epigenetic factors are not always fully restored to their original state, resulting in epigenetic dysfunction that causes cells to lose their original identity and function. Moreover, severe radiation-induced DNA damage can induce premature senescence of cells in complex tissues, which ultimately leads to signs of aging and age-related diseases such as cancer. In this work, we provide an overview of the most important epigenetic changes following IR exposure and their pathophysiological significance for the development of acute and chronic radiation reactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Features Papers in Epigenomes 2025)
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20 pages, 2861 KB  
Article
DNA Methylation Status of Regulatory Regions of Apoptosis-Associated Genes in Dystropy «Huntington’s Disease—Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer»
by Nadezhda P. Babushkina, Elena Yu. Bragina, Densema E. Gomboeva, Iuliia A. Koroleva, Sergey N. Illarioshkin, Sergey A. Klyushnikov, Nataliya Yu. Abramycheva, Maria A. Nikitina, Valentina M. Alifirova, Nikolai V. Litviakov, Marina K. Ibragimova, Matvey M. Tsyganov, Irina A. Tsydenova, Aleksei A. Zarubin, Irina A. Goncharova, Maria V. Golubenko, Ramil R. Salakhov, Aleksei A. Sleptcov, Aksana N. Kucher, Maria S. Nazarenko and Valery P. Puzyrevadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Epigenomes 2025, 9(3), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/epigenomes9030028 - 7 Aug 2025
Viewed by 352
Abstract
Background. Studies of comorbid (syntropic) and inversely comorbid (rarely occurring together, i.e., dystropic) diseases have focused on the search for molecular causes of this phenomenon. Materials. We investigated DNA methylation levels in regulatory regions of 23 apoptosis-associated genes as candidate loci associated with [...] Read more.
Background. Studies of comorbid (syntropic) and inversely comorbid (rarely occurring together, i.e., dystropic) diseases have focused on the search for molecular causes of this phenomenon. Materials. We investigated DNA methylation levels in regulatory regions of 23 apoptosis-associated genes as candidate loci associated with the “cancer–neurodegeneration” dystropy in patients with Huntington’s disease (HD) and patients with non–small cell lung cancer (LC). Results. Statistically significant differences in methylation levels between the HD and LC groups were found for 41 CpG sites in 16 genes. The results show that five genes (SETDB1, TWIST1, HDAC1, SP1, and GRIA2) are probably involved in the phenomenon of inverse comorbidity of these diseases. For these genes, the methylation levels of the studied CpG sites were altered in opposite directions in the two groups of patients, compared to the control group. Conclusions. For the SP1 gene, the above hypothesis is supported by our analysis of open-access data on gene expression in patients with the aforementioned diagnoses and fits a probable mechanism of the “HD–LC” dystropy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue DNA Methylation Markers in Health and Disease)
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21 pages, 3446 KB  
Article
Targeting the Kynureninase–HDAC6–Complement Axis as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy in Glioblastoma
by Arif Ul Hasan, Sachiko Sato, Mami Obara, Yukiko Kondo and Eiichi Taira
Epigenomes 2025, 9(3), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/epigenomes9030027 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 646
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor known for its profound heterogeneity and treatment resistance. Dysregulated complement signaling and epigenetic alterations have been implicated in GBM progression. This study identifies kynureninase (KYNU), a key enzyme in the kynurenine pathway, as a novel [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor known for its profound heterogeneity and treatment resistance. Dysregulated complement signaling and epigenetic alterations have been implicated in GBM progression. This study identifies kynureninase (KYNU), a key enzyme in the kynurenine pathway, as a novel regulator of complement components and investigates its interaction with histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) in the context of therapeutic targeting. Methods: KYNU expression, and its association with complement signaling in GBM, were analyzed using publicly available datasets (TCGA, GTEx, HPA). Pathway enrichment was performed via LinkedOmics. In vitro studies in GBM cell lines (U87, U251, T98G) assessed the effects of KYNU silencing and treatment with an HDAC6 inhibitor (tubastatin) and a BET inhibitor (apabetalone) on gene expression and cell viability. Results: Bioinformatic analyses revealed significant overexpression of KYNU in GBM tissues compared to normal brain tissue. KYNU expression was positively associated with genes involved in complement and coagulation cascades. In vitro experiments demonstrated that KYNU silencing reduced the expression of C3, C3AR1, and C5AR1 and suppressed GBM cell viability. Treatment with tubastatin, while reducing viability, paradoxically upregulated complement genes, suggesting potential limitations in therapeutic efficacy. However, this effect was mitigated by KYNU knockdown. Combined treatment with apabetalone and tubastatin effectively suppressed KYNU expression and enhanced cytotoxicity, particularly in cells with high complement expression. Conclusions: Our findings establish the KYNU–HDAC6–complement axis as a critical regulatory pathway in GBM. Targeting KYNU-mediated complement activation through combined epigenetic approaches—such as HDAC6 and BET inhibition—represents a promising strategy to overcome complement-driven resistance in GBM therapy. Full article
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17 pages, 1840 KB  
Article
Epigenomic Interactions Between Chronic Pain and Recurrent Pressure Injuries After Spinal Cord Injury
by Letitia Y. Graves, Melissa R. Alcorn, E. Ricky Chan, Katelyn Schwartz, M. Kristi Henzel, Marinella Galea, Anna M. Toth, Christine M. Olney and Kath M. Bogie
Epigenomes 2025, 9(3), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/epigenomes9030026 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 611
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study investigated variations in DNA methylation patterns associated with chronic pain and propensity for recurrent pressure injuries (PrI) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: Whole blood was collected from 81 individuals with SCI. DNA methylation was quantified using Illumina [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study investigated variations in DNA methylation patterns associated with chronic pain and propensity for recurrent pressure injuries (PrI) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: Whole blood was collected from 81 individuals with SCI. DNA methylation was quantified using Illumina genome-wide arrays (EPIC and EPICv2). Comprehensive clinical profiles collected included secondary health complications, in particular current PrI and chronic pain. Relationships between recurrent PrI and chronic pain and whether the co-occurrence of both traits was mediated by changes in DNA methylation were investigated using R packages limma, DMRcate and mCSEA. Results: Three differentially methylated positions (DMPs) (cg09867095, cg26559694, cg24890286) and one region in the micro-imprinted locus for BLCAP/NNAT are associated with chronic pain in persons with SCI. The study cohort was stratified by PrI status to identify any sites associated with chronic pain and while the same three sites and region were replicated in the group with no recurrent PrI, two novel, hypermethylated (cg21756558, cg26217441) sites and one region in the protein-coding gene FDFT1 were identified in the group with recurrent PrI. Gene enrichment and genes associated with specific promoters using MetaScape identified several shared disorders and ontology terms between independent phenotypes of pain and recurrent PrI and interactive sub-groups. Conclusions: DMR analysis using mCSEA identified several shared genes, promoter-associated regions and CGI associated with overall pain and PrI history, as well as sub-groups based on recurrent PrI history. These findings suggest that a much larger gene regulatory network is associated with each phenotype. These findings require further validation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Features Papers in Epigenomes 2025)
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17 pages, 6145 KB  
Article
Exploring Epigenetic Ageing Using Direct Methylome Sequencing
by Elena-Cristina Găitănaru, Roua Gabriela Popescu, Andreea-Angelica Stroe, Sergiu Emil Georgescu and George Cătălin Marinescu
Epigenomes 2025, 9(3), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/epigenomes9030025 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 694
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Advances in nanopore sequencing have opened new avenues for studying DNA methylation at single-base resolution, yet their application in epigenetic ageing research remains underdeveloped. Methods: We present a novel framework that leverages the unique capabilities of nanopore sequencing to profile [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Advances in nanopore sequencing have opened new avenues for studying DNA methylation at single-base resolution, yet their application in epigenetic ageing research remains underdeveloped. Methods: We present a novel framework that leverages the unique capabilities of nanopore sequencing to profile and interpret age-associated methylation patterns in native DNA. Results: Unlike conventional array-based approaches, long reads sequencing captures full CpG context, accommodates diverse and repetitive genomic regions, removes bisulfite conversion steps, and is compatible to the latest reference genome. Conclusions: This work establishes nanopore sequencing as a powerful tool for next-generation epigenetic ageing studies, offering a scalable and biologically rich platform for anti-ageing interventions monitoring and longitudinal ageing studies. Full article
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24 pages, 2421 KB  
Article
Trends in DNA Methylation over Time Between Parous and Nulliparous Young Women
by Su Chen, John W. Holloway, Wilfried Karmaus, Hongmei Zhang, S. Hasan Arshad and Susan Ewart
Epigenomes 2025, 9(3), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/epigenomes9030024 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 654
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The experience of pregnancy and parturition has been associated with long-term health effects in mothers, imparting protective effects against some diseases while the risk of other diseases is increased. The mechanisms that drive these altered disease risks are unknown. This study examined [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The experience of pregnancy and parturition has been associated with long-term health effects in mothers, imparting protective effects against some diseases while the risk of other diseases is increased. The mechanisms that drive these altered disease risks are unknown. This study examined DNA methylation (DNAm) changes from pre-pregnancy to several years after giving birth in parous women compared to nulliparous controls over the same time interval. Methods: Using 180 parous-associated CpGs, three analyses were carried out to test DNAm changes from pre-pregnancy at age 18 years to gestation; from gestation to post-pregnancy at age 26 years in parous women; and from 18 to 26 years in nulliparous women using linear mixed models with repeated measures. Results: The directions of DNAm changes were the same between the parous and nulliparous groups. Most CpG dinucleotides (67%, 121 of 180) had a decreasing trend while a small number (7%, 13 of 180) had an increasing trend. Of the CpGs showing increasing or decreasing DNAm, approximately half had DNAm change to a smaller extent in parous women and the other half changed more in parous women than nulliparous controls. 9% (17 of 180) changed significantly in nulliparous women only, leading to a significant difference in DNAm levels in parous women at the post-pregnancy 26 years time point. Conclusions: Pregnancy and parturition may accelerate methylation changes in some CpGs, but slow down or halt methylation changes over time in other CpGs. Full article
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17 pages, 532 KB  
Review
The Fundamental Role of Nutrients for Metabolic Balance and Epigenome Integrity Maintenance
by Ana Paula de Souza, Vitor Marinho and Marcelo Rocha Marques
Epigenomes 2025, 9(3), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/epigenomes9030023 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 798
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications act as crucial regulators of gene activity and are influenced by both internal and external environmental factors, with diet being the most impactful external factor. On the other hand, cellular metabolism encompasses a complex network of biochemical reactions essential for maintaining [...] Read more.
Epigenetic modifications act as crucial regulators of gene activity and are influenced by both internal and external environmental factors, with diet being the most impactful external factor. On the other hand, cellular metabolism encompasses a complex network of biochemical reactions essential for maintaining cellular function, and it impacts every cellular process. Many metabolic cofactors are critical for the activity of chromatin-modifying enzymes, influencing methylation and the global acetylation status of the epigenome. For instance, dietary nutrients, particularly those involved in one-carbon metabolism (e.g., folate, vitamins B12 and B6, riboflavin, methionine, choline, and betaine), take part in the generation of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which represents the main methyl donor for DNA and histone methylation; α-ketoglutarate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) act, respectively, as a co-substrate and cofactor for Ten-eleven Translocation (TET), which is responsible for DNA demethylation; and metabolites such as Acetyl-CoA directly impact histone acetylation, linking metabolism of the TCA cycle to epigenetic regulation. Further, bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, modulate epigenetic patterns by affecting methylation processes or targeting epigenetic enzymes. Since diet and nutrition play a critical role in shaping epigenome functions and supporting human health, this review offers a comprehensive update on recent advancements in metabolism, epigenetics, and nutrition, providing insights into how nutrients contribute to metabolic balance, epigenome integrity maintenance and, consequently, disease prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Epigenomes)
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