Epigenetics of Alzheimer's Disease | The New York Academy of Sciences

Epigenetics is most broadly defined as inherited modifications to gene expression achieved without alterations to the nucleotide sequence of the genes themselves. These changes occur when DNA is methylated or when the histones that bind DNA into tight chromatin bundles are acetylated, for example. These modifications influence the accessibility of our genes to the transcription machinery and therefore affect gene expression indirectly. While there is strong support for an inherited genetic component to certain types of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and some evidence that environmental factors influence AD prevalence and risk, scientists are less sure of how specific DNA and histone modifications are involved. On September 28, 2011, the Academy's Brain Dysfunction Discussion Group convened the Epigenetics of Alzheimer's Disease symposium to facilitate discussion of the specific contribution of epigenetic modifications to the initiation and progression of Alzheimer's disease. This meeting brought together experts in both animal and human genetics to share their insight into the unique nature and regional specificity of naturally-occurring modifications in the brain and also into the possible applications of epigenetic therapeutics to slow or reverse the progress of AD.