Epigenetic signature in neural plasticity: the journey so far and journey ahead
Madhusmita Nayak,
Diptimayee Das,
Jyotsnarani Pradhan,
R.G. Ahmed,
Roberto Laureano-Melo,
Jagneshwar Dandapat
Affiliations
Madhusmita Nayak
Post-Graduate Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India; Centre of Excellence in Integrated Omics and Computational Biology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India
Diptimayee Das
Post-Graduate Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India; Faculty of Allied Health Science, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai India
Jyotsnarani Pradhan
Post-Graduate Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India; Corresponding author.
R.G. Ahmed
Division of Anatomy and Embryology, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
Roberto Laureano-Melo
Barra Mansa University Center, R. Ver. Pinho de Carvalho, 267, 27330-550, Barra Mansa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Jagneshwar Dandapat
Post-Graduate Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India; Centre of Excellence in Integrated Omics and Computational Biology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India; Corresponding author.
Neural plasticity is a remarkable characteristic of the brain which allows neurons to rewire their structure in response to internal and external stimuli. Many external stimuli collectively referred to as ‘epigenetic factors’ strongly influence structural and functional reorganization of the brain, thereby acting as a potential driver of neural plasticity. DNA methylation and demethylation, histone acetylation, and deacetylation are some of the frontline epigenetic mechanisms behind neural plasticity. Epigenetic signature molecules (mostly proteins) play a pivotal role in epigenetic reprogramming. Though neuro-epigenetics is an incredibly important field of emerging research, the critical role of signature proteins associated with epigenetic alteration and their involvement in neural plasticity needs further attention. This study gives an integrated and systematic overview of the current state of knowledge with a clear idea of types of neural plasticity and the context-dependent role of epigenetic signature molecules and their modulation by some natural bioactive compounds.
