Epigenetic Mechanisms as Drivers of Neurodegenerative Disease Pathogenesis

Abstract

The study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative processes is a crucial area of research in modern neurology and biology. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of epigenetic modifications in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases . The subjects of the study were biosubstrates and models that reflect pathological changes during neural tissue degeneration. The methodology encompassed DNA methylation methods, histone modification analysis, and microRNA expression profiling using polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. The study established that altered epigenetic regulation leads to aberrant expression of genes responsible for neuronal plasticity, protein homeostasis, and mitochondrial function . Specific methylation patterns were identified that correlated with the intensity of neuronal death and the accumulation of pathological protein aggregates. The study concluded that epigenetic changes act as a key trigger of neurodegeneration . The data obtained corroborate the potential of the search for new epigenetic biomarkers for early diagnosis and the development of targeted drugs capable of reversing pathological modifications of the genome.