Epigenetic Regulation of Gene Expression in Epithelial Stem Cells Fate

Background: Epithelial tissues have the ability to self-renew throughout animal's life due to the presence of the epithelial stem cells. Except for complicated genes regulation, the fate of epithelial stem cells is also regulated by the epigenetics, including DNA methylation, histone modification and microRNAs, which are emerging as vital elements of epigenetic regulation for epithelial stem cells self-renewal and differentiation. However, the mechanisms underlying these are still poorly understood. Objective: In this review, we focus on the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in epithelial stem cells fate, using intestinal and epidermal stem cells as models. Meanwhile, a brief description of recent research about the possible impact of network regulation in epithelial stem cell-based amelogenesis by epigenetic regulation is therefore, being discussed. Conclusion: Epigenetic modification plays a vital role in the epithelial stem cells fate choice through the gene expression. The interaction between epigenetic modification and molecular signaling in epithelial stem cells fate choice still needs further exploration. Keywords: Epigenetics, epithelial stem cells, DNA methylation, histone modification, microRNAs, amelogenesis.