In contrast, epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene activity or function that is not associated with any change of the DNA sequence itself. Such alterations include point mutations, deletions, insertions, and translocation. Genetics is the study of heritable changes in gene activity or function due to the direct alteration of the DNA sequence. The investigation into DNA methylation continues to show a rich and complex picture about epigenetic gene regulation in the central nervous system and provides possible therapeutic targets for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Indeed, when DNA methylation is altered as a result of developmental mutations or environmental risk factors, such as drug exposure and neural injury, mental impairment is a common side effect. The precise regulation of DNA methylation is essential for normal cognitive function. Moreover, neuronal activity can modulate their pattern of DNA methylation in response to physiological and environmental stimuli. Intriguingly, postmitotic neurons still express DNA methyltransferases and components involved in DNA demethylation. We will describe the DNA (de)methylation machinery and its association with other epigenetic mechanisms such as histone modifications and noncoding RNAs. ![]() In this chapter, we will review the process of DNA methylation and demethylation in the nervous system. As a consequence, differentiated cells develop a stable and unique DNA methylation pattern that regulates tissue-specific gene transcription. During development, the pattern of DNA methylation in the genome changes as a result of a dynamic process involving both de novo DNA methylation and demethylation. DNA methylation regulates gene expression by recruiting proteins involved in gene repression or by inhibiting the binding of transcription factor(s) to DNA. In the mammalian genome, DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism involving the transfer of a methyl group onto the C5 position of the cytosine to form 5-methylcytosine.
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