Epigenetic regulation of cardiac development and function by polycomb group and trithorax group proteins

Abstract

Heart disease is a leading cause of death and disability in developed countries. Heart disease includes a broad range of diseases that affect the development and/or function of the cardiovascular system. Some of these diseases, such as congenital heart defects, are present at birth. Others develop over time and may be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Many of the known heart diseases are associated with abnormal expression of genes. Understanding the factors and mechanisms that regulate gene expression in the heart is essential for the detection, treatment and prevention of heart diseases. Polycomb Group (PcG) and Trithorax Group (TrxG) proteins are special families of chromatin factors that regulate developmental gene expression in many tissues and organs. Accumulating evidence suggests that these proteins are important regulators of development and function of the heart as well. A better understanding of their roles and functional mechanisms will translate into new opportunities for combating heart disease.

DNA methylation and histone modifications as epigenetic regulation in prostate cancer

“…Mammalian PRC2 complexes contain the direct homologues enhancer of zeste called homologue 2 (EZH2) (or, in some cases, EZH1), embryonic ectoderm development (EED), suppressor of zeste called 12 proteins (SUZ12) and RBBP4 and RBBP7 (histone-binding protein, also known as retinoblastoma associated protein 46 and 48 RBAP48 and RBAP46). PcG repressor complexes inactivate specific regions of chromatin, inhibiting transcription by specific modification of histone tails, then recognized by specific effector proteins (65)(66)(67).…”

Epigenetic regulation in heart failure

“…These complexes are important for longevity and adult stem cell regulation [82]. Both complexes are essential for the proper development of the heart [83]. BMI1 is a member of the PcG complex required for proliferation of adult and embryonic stem cells [84].…”

Additional sex combs‐like family genes are required for normal cardiovascular development

“…The key mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance are histone modification, chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, and microRNA (Goldberg et al, 2007). The precise and coordinated control of gene expression by epigenetic factors is critical for the regulation of many developing organs, including the heart (reviewed in Chang and Bruneau, 2012;Vallaster et al, 2012;van Weerd et al, 2011;Wang, 2012;Zhou et al, 2011). Epigenetic causes of CHD are promising candidates for intervention due to their ability to direct and maintain long-term changes to transcription (Kelly et al, 2010;Matarazzo et al, 2007;Nebbioso et al, 2012;Ordov as and Smith, 2010).…”