Epigenetic Regulator Signatures in Regenerative Capacity

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Regeneration is the process by which body parts lost as a result of injury are replaced, as observed in certain animal species. The root of regenerative differences between organisms is still not very well understood; if regeneration merely recycles developmental pathways in the adult form, why can some animals regrow organs whereas others cannot? In the regulation of the regeneration process as well as other biological phenomena, epigenetics plays an essential role. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to demonstrate the role of epigenetic regulators in determining regenerative capacity. RESULTS: In this review, we discuss the basis of regenerative differences between organisms. In addition, we present the current knowledge on the role of epigenetic regulation in regeneration, including DNA methylation, histone modification, lysine methylation, lysine methyltransferases, and the SET1 family. CONCLUSION: An improved understanding of the regeneration process and the epigenetic regulation thereof through the study of regeneration in highly regenerative species will help in the field of regenerative medicine in future.