Neural Tube Defects and Epigenetics: Role of Histone Post-Translational Histone Modifications

Abstract

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the most common congenital anomalies of the CNS. It is widely appreciated that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to their etiology. The inability to ascribe clear genetic patterns of inheritance to various NTD phenotypes suggests it is possible that epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the etiology of NTDs. In this context, the contribution of DNA methylation as an underlying contributing factor to the etiology of NTDs has been extensively reviewed. Here, an updated accounting of the evidence linking post-translational histone modifications to these birth defects, relying heavily upon studies in humans, and the possible molecular implications inferred from reports based on cellular and animal models, are presented.

Tweetable abstract

The current review compiles recent evidence regarding the role of post-translational histone modification in the etiology of neural tube defects, considering patients, animals and cellular models.

Keywords::

• epigenetics
• histone
• histone acetylation
• histone methylation
• neural tube defects

Supplementary data

To view the supplementary data that accompany this paper please visit the journal website at: www.tandfonline.com/doi/suppl/10.2217/epi-2023-0357

Author contributions

All authors made substantial contributions to the conception or design of this review; AND drafting the work and critically revising it for important intellectual content; AND final approval of the version to be published; (d) agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Financial disclosure

The authors have no financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Competing interests disclosure

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Writing disclosure

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.