Mathematical models of DNA methylation dynamics: Implications for health and ageing
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Abstract
DNA methylation status is a key epigenetic process which has been intimately associated with gene regulation. In recent years growing evidence has associated DNA methylation status with a variety of diseases including cancer, Alzheimers disease and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, changes to DNA methylation have also recently been implicated in the ageing process. The factors which underpin DNA methylation are complex, and remain to be fully elucidated. Over the years mathematical modelling has helped to shed light on the dynamics of this important molecular system. Although the existing models have contributed significantly to our overall understanding of DNA methylation, they fall-short of fully capturing the dynamics of this process. In this paper we develop a linear and nonlinear model which captures more fully the dynamics of the key intracellular events which characterise DNA methylation. In particular the outcomes of our linear model result in gene promoter specific methylation levels which are more biologically plausible than those revealed by previous mathematical models. In addition, our non-linear model predicts DNA methylation promoter bistability which is commonly observed experimentally. The findings from our models have implications for our current understanding of how changes to the dynamics which underpin DNA methylation affect ageing and health.Citation
Zagkos, L., & Mc Auley, M., & Roberts, J., & Kavallaris, N., (2019). Mathematical models of DNA methylation dynamics: Implications for health and ageing. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 462, 184-193.Publisher
ElsevierJournal
Journal of Theoretical BiologyAdditional Links
https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-theoretical-biologyType
ArticleLanguage
enISSN
0022-5193EISSN
1095-8541ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1016/j.jtbi.2018.11.006
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Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/