New Research Shows Brain Cells Switch Epigenetic Gears Throughout Life

Neuroscience  

Summary New research has shown that histones in the brain are not constant are replaced as they wear out, and they may be altered due to environmental factors. Histones actually allow brain cells to switch epigenetics and alter gene expression.

For ages, scientists have believed that the brain remains relatively unchanged when it comes to the protein spools – called histones – of which DNA is wound. You see, these tiny proteins directly control gene expression. While DNA as a whole remains the same – and every cell in the body contains the same DNA – it’s the varying expression that decides the differences in the cell. In other words, the gene expression decides whether or not a cell becomes skin as opposed to a neuron.

" This work provides a novel conceptual framework for further studies aimed at identifying the molecular underpinnings of neurodevelopmental disease and psychiatric illness."

Generally, gene expression changes and adapts to the environment in various cells in the body. However, there are select types of cells that do not divide or change, and remain that way throughout a lifetime. The nondividing cells grow in the womb and stay with us our entire life – these belong to organs such as the heart or nerve cells. Previously, it was believed that brain cells are the same way.

It turns out that's not the case at all. The histones in the brain are not constant and instead are replaced over time as they wear out, or to adapt with environment changes. They effectively allow brain cells to switch epigenetic gears, or alter gene expression to turn it on and off.

Who Discovered the Change?

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Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Rockefeller University published their findings in the scientific journal Neuron. Their article, rightfully titled "Critical Role of Histone Turnover in Neuronal Transcription and Plasticity," details the concept of histone turnover.

In more scientific terms, the histone turnover process allows genes in the brain to be turned on or off as a response to stimuli or the environment, like electrical signals on a circuit breaker. This allows neurons – electrically excitable brain cells that are used by the body to transmit signals and information – to generate fresh synaptic connections.

What Does This Mean?

This goes a long way to helping scientists understand the brain and how it functions. In the grand scale, it means that they can more accurately discern how the brain learns new information, reacts to the environment and even stores memories. It will allow them to better treat neurodegenerative diseases and various mental illnesses. That's important because despite all the knowledge we have on the human body, our complete understanding of the human brain is relatively limited.

Ian Maze, Icahn School of Medicine's assistant professor of pharmacology and systems therapeutics – where the study was conducted – better explained the implications of these findings.

"By identifying this new mechanism of epigenetic regulation, or changes to gene expression caused by external and environmental factors, this work provides a novel conceptual framework for further studies aimed at identifying the molecular underpinnings of neurodevelopmental disease and psychiatric illness."

We are that much closer to finding ways to deal with serious mental illnesses and neurodegenerative diseases. It's no secret that modern society doesn't know how to properly handle or cope with the average mental illness.

It may also allow us to find new ways to heal a damaged brain, which is something else we know little about currently.

Whatever the case may be, these findings will completely change the way scientists and doctors look at the brain and its inner workings. There's no telling what kind of scientific advances this could lead to in the long run.

By Kayla Matthews

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Author Bio - Kayla writes to combine her love of productivity and lifehacking with her interests in technology and mobile apps. Check out her blog, Productivity Bytes. You can also find her on GadgeTell and MakeUseOf.