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Epigenetic Regulation of Development, Cellular Differentiation, and Disease Progression/Protection in Adults

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A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409). This special issue belongs to the section "Cell Proliferation and Division".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2023) | Viewed by 13037

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lon J. van Winkle

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Guest Editor

1. Department of Biochemistry, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
2. Department of Medical Humanities, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80122, USA
Interests: cell physiology; cell metabolism; development; cell differentiation; stem cells
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Rebecca Jean Ryznar

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Co-Guest Editor

Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80134, USA
Interests: epigenetic clock; epigenetic changes during aging; developmental epigenetics

Erin Onat

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Guest Editor Assistant

College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80134, USA
Interests: tissue engineering; vascular hemodynamics; genetic mechanisms of disease

Lacie Phibbs

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Guest Editor Assistant

College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80134, USA
Interests: pediatrics; maternal–fetal medicine; growth and development

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Epigenetic changes drive early embryonic and later stages of development. These epigenetic modifications are necessary for successful development throughout early life and are associated with a youthful, healthy epigenetic landscape, but age-related and environmentally induced epigenetic changes can cause a multitude of pathologies in adulthood. As such, an epigenetic clock can reflect changes that occur with aging and environmental stressors. Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes are some of the more well-studied diseases associated with an aged epigenetic landscape. This Special Issue aims to explore current research concerning epigenetic changes that govern human development, both embryonic and later cell stages, along with age-related epigenetic changes that drive pathologies later in life. We invite the submission of manuscripts concerning but not limited to the following keywords regarding epigenetic contributions to development, aging, and transgenerational inheritance.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute original articles, reviews, communications, etc. We look forward to your contributions to this Special Issue.

Dr. Lon J. van Winkle
Dr. Rebecca Jean Ryznar
Guest Editors

Erin Onat
Lacie Phibbs
Guest Editor Assistants

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cells is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

embryonic development
differentiation
aging
epigenetics
metabolic signaling
DNA methylation
histone modifications
miRNAs
epigenetic clock
transgenerational inheritance

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 175 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Epigenetic Regulation of Development, Cellular Differentiation, and Disease Progression/Protection in Adults

by Rebecca J. Ryznar, Lacie Phibbs, Erin Onat and Lon J. Van Winkle

Cells 2022, 11(12), 1907; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11121907 - 12 Jun 2022

Viewed by 1497

Abstract

Epigenetic changes drive early embryonic and later stages of development [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epigenetic Regulation of Development, Cellular Differentiation, and Disease Progression/Protection in Adults)

Review

Jump to: Editorial

22 pages, 1102 KiB

Open AccessReview

Epigenetic Changes Associated with Osteosarcoma: A Comprehensive Review

by Luke Twenhafel, DiAnna Moreno, Trista Punt, Madeline Kinney and Rebecca Ryznar

Cells 2023, 12(12), 1595; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12121595 - 9 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1707

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant primary bone tumor in children and adolescents. While clinical outcomes have improved, the 5-year survival rate is only around 60% if discovered early and can require debilitating treatments, such as amputations. A better understanding of the disease could lead to better clinical outcomes for patients with osteosarcoma. One promising avenue of osteosarcoma research is in the field of epigenetics. This research investigates changes in genetic expression that occur above the genome rather than in the genetic code itself. The epigenetics of osteosarcoma is an active area of research that is still not fully understood. In a narrative review, we examine recent advances in the epigenetics of osteosarcoma by reporting biomarkers of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA associated with disease progression. We also show how cancer tumor epigenetic profiles are being used to predict and improve patient outcomes. The papers in this review cover a large range of epigenetic target genes and pathways that modulate many aspects of osteosarcoma, including but not limited to metastases and chemotherapy resistance. Ultimately, this review will shed light on the recent advances in the epigenetics of osteosarcoma and illustrate the clinical benefits of this field of research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epigenetic Regulation of Development, Cellular Differentiation, and Disease Progression/Protection in Adults)

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33 pages, 922 KiB

Open AccessReview

Epigenetic Changes Associated with Different Types of Stressors and Suicide

by Garrett Dee, Rebecca Ryznar and Colton Dee

Cells 2023, 12(9), 1258; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12091258 - 26 Apr 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2763

Abstract

Stress is associated with various epigenetic changes. Some stress-induced epigenetic changes are highly dynamic, whereas others are associated with lasting marks on the epigenome. In our study, a comprehensive narrative review of the literature was performed by investigating the epigenetic changes that occur with acute stress, chronic stress, early childhood stress, and traumatic stress exposures, along with examining those observed in post-mortem brains or blood samples of suicide completers and attempters. In addition, the transgenerational effects of these changes are reported. For all types of stress studies examined, the genes Nr3c1, OXTR, SLC6A4, and BDNF reproducibly showed epigenetic changes, with some modifications observed to be passed down to subsequent generations following stress exposures. The aforementioned genes are known to be involved in neuronal development and hormonal regulation and are all associated with susceptibility to mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Further research is warranted in order to determine the scope of epigenetic actionable targets in individuals suffering from the long-lasting effects of stressful experiences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epigenetic Regulation of Development, Cellular Differentiation, and Disease Progression/Protection in Adults)

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25 pages, 775 KiB

Open AccessReview

Epigenetic Mechanisms of Aging and Aging-Associated Diseases

by Annamaria la Torre, Filomena Lo Vecchio and Antonio Greco

Cells 2023, 12(8), 1163; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12081163 - 14 Apr 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3465

Abstract

Aging is an inevitable outcome of life, characterized by a progressive decline in tissue and organ function. At a molecular level, it is marked by the gradual alterations of biomolecules. Indeed, important changes are observed on the DNA, as well as at a protein level, that are influenced by both genetic and environmental parameters. These molecular changes directly contribute to the development or progression of several human pathologies, including cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, neurodegenerative disorders and others aging-related diseases. Additionally, they increase the risk of mortality. Therefore, deciphering the hallmarks of aging represents a possibility for identifying potential druggable targets to attenuate the aging process, and then the age-related comorbidities. Given the link between aging, genetic, and epigenetic alterations, and given the reversible nature of epigenetic mechanisms, the precisely understanding of these factors may provide a potential therapeutic approach for age-related decline and disease. In this review, we center on epigenetic regulatory mechanisms and their aging-associated changes, highlighting their inferences in age-associated diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epigenetic Regulation of Development, Cellular Differentiation, and Disease Progression/Protection in Adults)

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19 pages, 2109 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of Transcriptional and Epigenetic Regulation in Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Development

by Hyeonwoo La, Hyunjin Yoo, Young Bin Park, Nguyen Xuan Thang, Chanhyeok Park, Seonho Yoo, Hyeonji Lee, Youngsok Choi, Hyuk Song, Jeong Tae Do and Kwonho Hong

Cells 2022, 11(10), 1692; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11101692 - 19 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2805

Abstract

The lymphatic system is critical for maintaining the homeostasis of lipids and interstitial fluid and regulating the immune cell development and functions. Developmental anomaly-induced lymphatic dysfunction is associated with various pathological conditions, including lymphedema, inflammation, and cancer. Most lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) are derived from a subset of endothelial cells in the cardinal vein. However, recent studies have reported that the developmental origin of LECs is heterogeneous. Multiple regulatory mechanisms, including those mediated by signaling pathways, transcription factors, and epigenetic pathways, are involved in lymphatic development and functions. Recent studies have demonstrated that the epigenetic regulation of transcription is critical for embryonic LEC development and functions. In addition to the chromatin structures, epigenetic modifications may modulate transcriptional signatures during the development or differentiation of LECs. Therefore, the understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the development and function of the lymphatic system can aid in the management of various congenital or acquired lymphatic disorders. Future studies must determine the role of other epigenetic factors and changes in mammalian lymphatic development and function. Here, the recent findings on key factors involved in the development of the lymphatic system and their epigenetic regulation, LEC origins from different organs, and lymphatic diseases are reviewed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epigenetic Regulation of Development, Cellular Differentiation, and Disease Progression/Protection in Adults)

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