Epigenetic Modifications Involved in Ageing Process: The Role of Histone Methylation of SET-Domain

Abstract

Ageing is characterized by the maintaining deterioration of homeostatic processes over time, leading to functional decline and increased risk of disease and death. Several distinct mechanisms underlying ageing have been reported and mounting shreds of evidence have shown that histone methylation, an epigenetic marker, regulates gene expression during ageing. Recently, SET-domain genes have gained attentions and have been identified as histone methyltransferase involved in ageing process. Deletion of these genes extends lifespan and increased oxidative stress resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans depends on the daf-16 activity in the insulin/IGF pathway. In this chapter, we propose to investigate the role of histone methylation in the process of ageing and oxidative stress with an emphasis on the role of set-18 gene in ageing process.