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Protocol Number:
06-CH-0010
- Title:
Remodeling of Chromatin-Based Epigenetic Structures in Development and Aging
- Number:
06-CH-0010
- Summary:
This study will examine the role of epigenetics (heritable changes in gene function that occur without a change in DNA sequence) in the aging process. DNA is the primary genetic material, responsible for transmitting information from one cell to the next or from one generation to the next. A second layer of heredity is described by the term "epigenetics."
Epigenetic information is reset from one generation to the next. It works in two ways: 1) by modification of the DNA, like balloons stuck at irregular intervals onto the sides of the DNA helix that encodes genes, and 2) through specialized protein shells that wrap around some regions of DNA. As in DNA, these shells can copy themselves and can transmit instructions. Because they are used to turn genes on and off, errors in their settings cause critical misinformation to be transmitted.
Aging involves many changes, such as muscle weakening, graying hair, skin wrinkling, and so forth. There are several current theories of aging, including damage to genes by oxidation, shortening of tiny structures at the ends of chromosomes called telomeres, and the ability to stretch lifespan with caloric restrictions. This study will investigate the possible role of epigenetics in aging by examining and comparing the shell-like epigenetic settings in skin cells in young adults and older individuals. Preliminary results from earlier studies show differences in these settings in younger and older people.
Women between the ages of 21 and 30 years and 65 and 90 years who are undergoing breast reduction or mastectomy at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, may participate in this study. Tissue removed during surgery for pathological examination will also be used by researchers in this study to validate the preliminary findings noted above and to continue studies into the new area of epigenetics and aging.
- Sponsoring Institute:
-
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
- Recruitment Detail
- Type:
Participants currently recruited/enrolled
- Gender:
Male & Female
- Referral Letter Required:
Yes
- Population Exclusion(s):
Children
- Eligibility Criteria:
INCLUSION CRITERIA:
Age 21-30 or 65-90, female or male
Normal liver function, renal function adjusted for age
Written informed consent
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
Down's or other premature aging syndromes
Mastectomies: skin involvement in the malignant process or damage due to prior radiation therapy
Active skin infection
Skin damage due to photoaging will be noted but will not be a basis for exclusion
- Special Instructions:
Currently Not Provided
- Keywords:
-
Histone
-
Chromatin
-
Epigenome
-
Senescence
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Acetylation
- Recruitment Keyword(s):
-
Aging
-
Tissue Sample
- Condition(s):
-
Aging
- Investigational Drug(s):
- None
- Investigational Device(s):
- None
- Intervention(s):
- None
- Supporting Site:
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- Contact(s):
-
Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793
Electronic Mail:prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov
- Citation(s):
-
Balaban RS, Nemoto S, Finkel T. Mitochondria, oxidants, and aging. Cell. 2005 Feb 25;120(4):483-95. Review.
-
Bandyopadhyay D, Medrano EE. The emerging role of epigenetics in cellular and organismal aging. Exp Gerontol. 2003 Nov-Dec;38(11-12):1299-307. Review.
-
Bestor TH. The DNA methyltransferases of mammals. Hum Mol Genet. 2000 Oct;9(16):2395-402. Review.
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