Epigenetische Pathomechanismen der Epileptogenese

Recent studies point to a pathogenic role of epigenetic chromatin modifications during epileptogenesis. Epigenetic mechanisms are covalent posttranslational modifications of histone proteins and DNA, which can produce lasting alterations in chromatin structure and gene expression. They are increasingly recognized as fundamental regulatory processes in central nervous system development, synaptic plasticity, and memory, and also play a role in neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia or spinal muscular atrophy. The authors propose that the “methylation hypothesis??addresses the intriguing issue of seizure-induced epigenetic chromatin modifications, which aggravate the epileptogenic condition by targeting candidate epileptogenesis gene expression. Unravelling epigenetic pathomechanisms will open also new strategies to identify molecular targets for pharmacological treatment in epilepsies. This project will be supported by EpiGENet, one of four consortia from the newly established European EuroEPINOMICS initiative.