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Molecular Epigenetic Mechanisms in Cognition

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 September 2025 | Viewed by 754

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
Interests: epigenetics; gene expression; chromatin structure; DNA methylation; neurotrophins; neuroplasticity; mind-body techniques; BDNF; NGF

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Epigenetic marks modifiable by both genetics and environmental exposures can affect the regulation of gene expression. The varied deposition and removal of DNA methylation and histone modifications (acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, serotonylation, dopaminylation, and others), as well as the intervention of polyfunctional noncoding RNAs, can impact biological pathways important for brain development and complex brain functions, such as cognition and behavior. In the brain, many of these epigenetic modifications have been widely implicated in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Studies with animal models support the view that epigenetic processes play a role in learning and memory consolidation during development and help transmit acquired memories even across generations. At the same time, the dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms has been reported in the aged brain and is associated with memory decline across the lifespan. Both developmental conditions such as ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and neurodegenerative pathologies, like MCI and Alzheimer’s disease, have been associated with alterations in the epigenome. Conversely, cognition seems to be improved by trainings like exercise and mind–body practices through epigenetic mechanisms.

This Special Issue will focus on the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating cognition in both normal and pathological conditions. We welcome studies, in humans and animal models, that concern the involvement of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs.

Dr. Sabrina Venditti
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • epigenetics
  • DNA methylation
  • histone modifications
  • noncoding RNAs
  • cognition
  • learning and memory
  • neuroplasticity
  • neurodegeneration
  • ASD
  • training

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

22 pages, 536 KiB  
Review
From Detection to Prediction: Advances in m6A Methylation Analysis Through Machine Learning and Deep Learning with Implications in Cancer
by Ruoting Jin, Quan Zou and Ximei Luo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6701; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146701 - 12 Jul 2025
Viewed by 583
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) represents the most common and thoroughly investigated RNA modification and exerts essential functions in regulating gene expression through influencing the RNA stability, the translation efficiency, alternative splicing, and nuclear export processes. The rapid development of high-throughput sequencing approaches, including miCLIP and [...] Read more.
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) represents the most common and thoroughly investigated RNA modification and exerts essential functions in regulating gene expression through influencing the RNA stability, the translation efficiency, alternative splicing, and nuclear export processes. The rapid development of high-throughput sequencing approaches, including miCLIP and MeRIP-seq, has profoundly transformed epitranscriptomics research. These techniques facilitate the detailed transcriptome-wide profiling of m6A modifications, shedding light on their crucial roles in diverse biological pathways. This review comprehensively examines the identification, mechanisms of regulation, and functional consequences of m6A modifications. It emphasizes their critical roles in physiological contexts, encompassing immune function, neuronal development, and the differentiation of stem cells. Additionally, the review discusses the contributions of m6A dysregulation to pathological conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and disorders of metabolism. We also discuss the development and application of machine-learning algorithms for m6A site prediction, emphasizing the integration of sequence-based, structural, and evolutionary conservation features to enhance the predictive accuracy. Furthermore, the potential of applying the findings from m6A research in precision medicine and drug development is examined. By synthesizing the current knowledge and emerging trends, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of m6A biology and its translational potential, offering new perspectives for future research and therapeutic innovation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Epigenetic Mechanisms in Cognition)
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