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Article
Epigenetics and Shared Molecular Processes in the Regeneration of Complex Structures
Stem Cells International
  • Labib Rouhana, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Junichi Tasaki, Wright State University - Main Campus
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2016
Abstract

The ability to regenerate complex structures is broadly represented in both plant and animal kingdoms. Although regenerative abilities vary significantly amongst metazoans, cumulative studies have identified cellular events that are broadly observed during regenerative events. For example, structural damage is recognized and wound healing initiated upon injury, which is followed by programmed cell death in the vicinity of damaged tissue and a burst in proliferation of progenitor cells. Sustained proliferation and localization of progenitor cells to site of injury give rise to an assembly of differentiating cells known as the regeneration blastema, which fosters the development of new tissue. Finally, preexisting tissue rearranges and integrates with newly differentiated cells to restore proportionality and function. While heterogeneity exists in the basic processes displayed during regenerative events in different species—most notably the cellular source contributing to formation of new tissue—activation of conserved molecular pathways is imperative for proper regulation of cells during regeneration. Perhaps the most fundamental of such molecular processes entails chromatin rearrangements, which prime large changes in gene expression required for differentiation and/or dedifferentiation of progenitor cells. This review provides an overview of known contributions to regenerative processes by noncoding RNAs and chromatin-modifying enzymes involved in epigenetic regulation.

Comments

Copyright © 2016 Labib Rouhana and Junichi Tasaki. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

DOI
10.1155/2016/6947395
Citation Information
Labib Rouhana and Junichi Tasaki. "Epigenetics and Shared Molecular Processes in the Regeneration of Complex Structures" Stem Cells International (2016) ISSN: 1687966X
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/labib_rouhana/16/