College of Queensland researchers have found a mechanism in DNA that regulates how disease-causing mutations are inherited.
Dr Anne Hahn and Affiliate Professor Steven Zuryn from UQ’s Queensland Mind Institute mentioned the findings may present a promising therapeutic avenue to cease the onset of heritable and age-related illnesses.
“Mitochondrial DNA is crucial for cell perform,” Dr Hahn mentioned.
“However as we age it mutates, contributing to illnesses like dementia, most cancers and diabetes.
“Our staff recognized 2 enzymes that regulate a chemical modification — adenine methylation or 6mA — in mitochondrial DNA throughout varied species, together with people.”
“Eradicating this modification results in uncontrolled accumulation and inheritance of mutations within the DNA,” Dr Hahn mentioned.
“Our research exhibits the 6mA modification controls these mutations, suggesting that enhancing ranges of 6mA may gradual illness development.”
The idea of epigenetics is an evolving discipline of analysis that reveals how environmental elements reminiscent of childhood experiences, can affect gene expression.
This challenges the outdated perception that DNA mutations inevitably result in illness.
Dr Hahn mentioned the research bridges the hole between genetics and epigenetics.
“It exhibits how this epigenetic mark guards towards disease-causing mutations and ensures the continuity of wholesome cells,” she mentioned.
Dr Zuryn mentioned epigenetic modification was not solely important for particular person well being but in addition for safeguarding the genetic integrity of future generations.
“Our discovery was largely carried out within the mannequin organism C. elegans, and cells grown in a laboratory,” he mentioned.
“The staff is now exploring whether or not comparable mechanisms exist in people and the way they may affect illness outcomes.
“This analysis has huge implications and presents a novel perspective on genetic and epigenetic elements in well being and illness.”
