DNA甲基化在调节干细胞成骨分化中的作用

DNA甲基化和去甲基化是表观遗传学的重要机制之一，在细胞分化、增殖、衰老等方面具有重要的调控作用。干细胞在成骨分化过程中成骨特异性基因发生去甲基化进而表达上调，而与干细胞多能分化潜能相关的基因发生高甲基化进而表达抑制。DNA甲基化和去甲基化的动态变化和平衡，对于协调基因表达的时序性和抑制不和谐的分化表型具有重要作用，是干细胞成骨分化的重要保证。成骨分化中甲基化修饰机制的异常不仅会影响干细胞的正常成骨分化功能，并且与多种骨骼常见疾病的发生发展具有密切的关系。本文综述了干细胞成骨分化过程中受DNA甲基化修饰调控的相关基因和调控机制的新进展，以及DNA甲基化修饰异常可能导致的骨骼疾病。

Role of DNA methylation in regulation of osteogenic differentiation of stem cells

DNA methylation and demethylation are two important mechanisms of epigenetics, which is important in the study of cell differentiation, proliferation, and senescence. During osteogenic differentiation of stem cells, the expression of osteogenic specific genes and demethylated promoters is upregulated, whereas the expression of pluripotent genes and hyper- methylated promoters is downregulated. The dynamic changes and balance between DNA methylation and demethylation are important for the coordination of gene expression and the inhibition of improper phenotypes. Abnormal changes in the methylation modification mechanism in osteogenic differentiation not only affect the normal function of stem cells but are also associated with the occurrence and development of many common skeletal diseases. This paper reviews the new progress of DNA methylation and demethylation in regulating osteogenic differentiation. The possible skeletal diseases caused by ab- normal DNA methylation are also presented.