Epigenetics
Epigenetics research delves into the molecular mechanisms that control gene expression and cellular traits without altering the underlying DNA sequence. One crucial aspect of this field is the role of small molecules, which act as powerful regulators of epigenetic modifications. These small compounds, typically comprising a few dozen to a few hundred atoms, have emerged as essential tools in understanding and manipulating the epigenome.
- DNA Methylation Inhibitors: Small molecules like 5-azacytidine and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine are DNA methyltransferase inhibitors. They block the addition of methyl groups to DNA, leading to DNA demethylation. This can reactivate silenced genes, potentially offering therapeutic avenues for conditions like cancer.
- HDAC inhibitors: HDACs remove acetyl groups from histone proteins, contributing to gene repression. Small molecule HDAC inhibitors, such as Vorinostat and Romidepsin, can reverse this process by increasing histone acetylation, allowing genes to be more accessible for transcription. These inhibitors are being explored for cancer therapy and other conditions.
- Histone Methyltransferase Inhibitors: Small molecules like GSK126 inhibit specific histone methyltransferases, affecting histone methylation patterns. This can alter gene expression, making them promising candidates for cancer and other diseases with epigenetic dysregulation.
- RNA Modulators: Small molecules can also target non-coding RNAs involved in epigenetic regulation. For instance, small molecules called small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can be designed to target and degrade specific long non-coding RNAs, influencing gene expression.
- Epigenetic Reader Domain Inhibitors: These small molecules target proteins that recognize and bind to specific epigenetic marks. Examples include inhibitors of bromodomain-containing proteins (BET inhibitors), which can disrupt gene regulation by interfering with protein-DNA interactions.
Small molecules in epigenetics research not only provide insights into the fundamental biology of gene regulation but also hold immense promise for developing novel therapeutics. Their ability to selectively modulate specific epigenetic marks and pathways has led to ongoing clinical trials and drug development efforts for various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Understanding and harnessing the power of these small molecules is at the forefront of modern epigenetics research, offering new hope for precision medicine and targeted therapies.
3 key components involved in the regulation of epigenetic modifications
Epigenetics Writer
Epigenetics writers are enzymes responsible for adding chemical marks or modifications to DNA or histone proteins. These marks include DNA methylation (addition of methyl groups to DNA) and histone modifications (such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, etc.).
Epigenetics Reader
Function: Epigenetics readers are proteins that can recognize and bind to specific epigenetic marks on DNA or histones. These reader proteins interpret the epigenetic code and facilitate downstream cellular processes, such as gene activation or repression.
Epigenetics Eraser
Function: Epigenetics erasers are enzymes responsible for removing or reversing epigenetic marks on DNA or histones. This process allows for the dynamic regulation of gene expression and the resetting of epigenetic states during various stages of development and in response to environmental changes.
- Scutellarin, a main active ingredient extracted from Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand-Mazz, has been wildly used to treat acute cerebral infarction and paralysis induced by cerebrovascular diseases.
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Src Inhibitor
PP1 is a potent inhibitor of Src-family tyrosine kinases. Inhibits p56lck and p59fynT (IC50 values are 5 and 6 nM respectively). Displays > 8000-fold selectivity over ZAP-70 and JAK2. Also moderately inhibits p38, CSK, PDGF receptors, RET-derived oncoproteins, c-Kit and Bcr-Abl -
Src inhibitor
Dasatinib hydrochloride is a potent and dual Abl/ Src inhibitor IC50 of <1 nM/0.8 nM respectively; also inhibit c-Kit (WT)/c-Kit (D816V) with IC50 of 79 nM/37 nM. -
Lck inhibitor
Lck inhibitor 2 is a bis-anilinopyrimidine inhibitor of tyrosine kinases including LCK, BTK, LYN, SYK, and TXK. The IC50 values are 13nM, 9nM, 3nM, 26nM and 2nM for Lck, Btk, Lyn, Btk and Txk respectively . -
Lck inhibitor
KIN001-051 is a potent and selective inhibitor of lck. Lymphocyte-speci?c protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) is a member of the Src-family of non-receptor protein tyrosine kinases and plays a critical role in the initial steps of T cell receptor signaling that trigger the production of cytokines. -
SRC inhibitor
CSF1R-IN-2 (compound 5) is an oral-active inhibitor of SRC, MET and c-FMS, with IC50 values of 0.12 nM, 0.14 nM and 0.76 nM for SRC, MET and c-FMS respectively. -
Src inhibitor
WEHI-345 analog is a Src inhibitor, extracted from patent WO/2012003544A1, compound example 71.
