Researchers from the University of Queensland have discovered a mechanism in DNA that regulates how disease-causing mutations are inherited.
Dr. Anne Hahn and Associate Professor Steven Zuryn from UQs The Queensland Brain Institute said the findings could provide a promising therapeutic avenue to stop the onset of hereditary and age-related diseases.
“Mitochondrial DNA is essential for cell function,” said Dr. Hahn.
‘But as we age it mutates and contributes to diseases such as dementia, cancer and diabetes.
“Our team identified two enzymes that regulate a chemical modification – adenine methylation or 6mA – in mitochondrial DNA in several species, including humans.”
“Removing this change leads to uncontrolled accumulation and inheritance of mutations in the DNA,” said Dr. Hahn.
“Our study shows that the 6mA modification controls these mutations, suggesting that increasing levels of 6mA could slow disease progression.”
The concept of epigenetics is an evolving area of research that reveals how environmental factors, such as childhood experiences, can influence gene expression.
This challenges the old belief that genes are irreversible.
Dr. Hahn said the study bridges the gap between genetics and epigenetics.
“It shows how this epigenetic mark protects against disease-causing mutations and ensures the continuity of healthy cells,” she said.
Dr. Zuryn said epigenetic modification is essential not only for individual health, but also for protecting the genetic integrity of future generations.
“Our discovery was largely carried out in the model organism C. elegansand cells grown in a laboratory,” he said.
“The team is now investigating whether similar mechanisms exist in humans and how these might influence disease outcomes.
“This research has enormous implications and provides a new perspective on genetic and epigenetic factors in health and disease.”
The research article was published in Cell metabolism.
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