Reversible epigenetics and seasonal neuroendocrine plasticity

Epigenetic modification such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation, are important molecular events that act to regulate gene transcription. The general assumption is that epigenetic events are permanent. Seasonal rhythms are associated with extensive genomic plasticity in a diverse range of tissues and cellular phenotypes. Using a seasonally breeding species, this presentation will demonstrate light and hormone dependent regulation of DNA methylation in the adult hypothalamus. In Siberian hamsters, a simple change in day length leads to marked variation in the levels of DNA methyltransferase 1 and 3b expression in the hamster hypothalamus.

Source: Neuropeptides - October 1, 2017 Category: Neuroscience Authors: T.J. Stevenson Source Type: research