DNA Methylation in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract

Epigenetic modifications in neurodegenerative diseases are just beginning to be studied; however, the growing interest in this phenomenon indicates its great importance in molecular mechanism of diseases and their phenotypical realization. DNA methylation takes one of the central places in gene expression regulation. This review considers the main DNA methylation types and the mechanisms of methylation and demethylation and provides general information on epigenetic regulation in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and hereditary ataxias. Possible prospects for targeted epigenetic correction as a new approach to neurodegenerative disease therapy are discussed.