DNA Methylation as an Epigenetic Memory Keeper During Skin Development and Regeneration

January 2018 in “ Stem cell biology and regenerative medicine ”

Ya-Chen Liang, Randall B. Widelitz, Cheng‐Ming Chuong

DNA methylation epigenetic memory epidermal progenitor cells hair follicle homeostasis DNA methyltransferases Dnmt1 DNMT3A DNMT3B hair follicle regeneration biomarker therapeutic target skin diseases tumorigenesis progenitor cells homeostasis methyltransferases

TLDR DNA methylation is essential for skin and hair follicle development, and could be a target for treating skin diseases.

The document from January 1, 2018, highlights the significance of DNA methylation in skin development and regeneration, particularly in maintaining the identity of epidermal progenitor cells and hair follicle homeostasis. It details how DNA methylation patterns are established during embryonic development and are crucial for lineage-specific commitments in skin cells. The study by Bock et al. provided insights into the methylation profiles across skin lineages, while in vivo and in vitro studies emphasized the importance of DNA methyltransferases, such as Dnmt1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B, in skin cell regulation and tumorigenesis. The document concludes that DNA methylation is vital for hair follicle regeneration, with deficiencies in Dnmt1 leading to hair loss and delayed regeneration with age. It also suggests that DNA methylation could serve as a biomarker and therapeutic target in skin diseases, underscoring the skin as a model for studying organ development and regeneration.

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