Topic: epigenetic remodeling

The restrictive element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) is a transcriptional repressor which acts via epigenetic remodeling to silence numerous target genes. Emerging evidence indicates that REST is a master regulator of neuron-specific genes, not only in neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation, but also in differentiated neurons during postnatal brain development, where it plays a role in fine-tuning of genes involved in synaptic plasticity, and in normal aging, where it promotes neuroprotection by repressing genes involved in oxidative stress and dementia. However, un aberrant REST

The perinatal phase is critical for offspring development. In this period, a peculiar epigenetic remodeling establishes a parent-of-origin specific expression in a subset of mammalian genes, known as “imprinted”. These genes are pivotal for the placenta, fetal, and brain growth and exert long-lasting effects on the offspring's metabolism and behavior. Recently, also direct and indirect influences of imprinted genes on sleep were identified, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Perinatally, adequate sleep is vital for the proper formation of the offspring's brain, physiologic