Possible Roles of Epigenetics in Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Abstract Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor and nonmotor symptoms. While current therapies provide symptomatic relief, they do not address the underlying cause of the disease. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising approach to restore damaged neural circuits, and the role of epigenetics in this field has gained significant attention. DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and noncoding RNA expression are examples of epigenetic changes that influence gene expression patterns without changing the underlying DNA sequence. These changes control cell fate determination, differentiation, and maturation, making them critical to the success of stem cell-based therapies. Proper epigenetic remodeling is required during stem cell reprogramming or differentiation into dopaminergic neurons to ensure the optimal expression of genes related to neuronal identity and function. Given the potential for affecting the efficacy of stem cell therapy, increased attention needs to be given to the epigenetic processes that occur during stem cell culture and transplantation to maximize the therapeutic potential of stem cells to PD. This review article explores the intricate relationship between epigenetics and stem cell therapy for PD, providing insights into the epigenetic modifications involved in stem cell differentiation, integration, and functional recovery in preclinical and clinical settings. By examining the epigenetic factors that influence stem cell-based treatments, we aim to contribute to the development of more effective and targeted strategies for the management of PD.