Some drugs may reduce DNA methylation at the promoter of the reelin gene. What is the likely impact that this has on reelin expression? The Impact of Reduced DNA Methylation at the Reelin Gene Promoter on Reelin Expression

The Impact of Reduced DNA Methylation at the Reelin Gene Promoter on Reelin Expression

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression by altering the chromatin structure and accessibility of the gene. Drugs such as 5-azacytidine and decitabine have been shown to reduce DNA methylation at the promoter of the reelin gene, which is important for neuronal migration during brain development and plasticity (Wu et al., 2016; Li et al., 2021). This alteration of DNA methylation may, in turn, lead to changes in reelin expression. Studies have demonstrated that reducing DNA methylation at the reelin gene promoter leads to increased reelin expression (Wu et al., 2016; Li et al., 2021). This increased expression has been shown to play an important role in neuronal plasticity and the formation of synaptic connections. This increased expression of reelin is thought to be important for the development of proper neuronal architecture and the normal functioning of the brain (Wu et al., 2016; Li et al., 2021). Cont…