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The Role of Ribosomal DNA Methylation in Embryonic Development, Aging and Diseases

Overview
Publisher Biomed Central
Specialties Biochemistry
Genetics
Date 2024 Jul 31
PMID 39085958
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Abstract

The ribosomal DNA (rDNA) constitutes a remarkably conserved DNA sequence within species, located in the area of the nucleolus, and responsible for coding three major types of rRNAs (18S, 5.8S and 28S). While historical investigations into rDNA focused on its structure and coding capabilities, recent research has turned to explore its functional roles in various biological processes. In this review, we summarize the main findings of rDNA methylation with embryonic development, aging and diseases in multiple species, including epigenetic alterations, related biological processes and potential applications of rDNA methylation. We present an overview of current related research and identify gaps in this field.

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PMID: 40045785 PMC: 11883441. DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0379.

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