干细胞中的DNA甲基化

DNA methylation in stem cells

DNA甲基化是表观遗传机制中一种重要的调控方式,它通过调控基因的表达影响一系列的生物学过程。干细胞作为具有自我更新、高度增殖和多向分化潜能的细胞群体,其分化和再生过程必然受到精确的表观调控。DNA甲基化在干细胞的维持、分化调控等方面都发挥着重要作用。现对胚胎干细胞、多能干细胞以及成体干细胞中DNA甲基化及羟甲基化的最新研究进展进行简要综述,回顾并展望DNA甲基化在干细胞中的潜在生物学功能及调控机制,同时为未来在临床诊断治疗及药物研发等方面提供一定的参考。

DNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism, does not change DNA sequence but instead suppresses the transcription factor-DNA association, thereby regulating gene expression and a variety of cellular processes. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into specialized cells and self-renew through mitosis, and are highly involved in epigenetic regulation. DNA methylation plays an important role in stem cell regulation and function. Here, we review the current knowledge and highlight the most recent advances about DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in stem cells. Our current understanding of stem cell epigenetics and new advances in the field will stimulate further clinical applications of regenerative medicine in the future.