Unveiling the Interplay of DNA and RNA Epigenetics

Genes contain the complete set of instructions the human body needs to function, but their expression must be precisely regulated to ensure each cell performs its role effectively. This regulation is aided by DNA and RNA epigenetics—a group of mechanisms that act as “markers” on genes to control their activity without altering the DNA or RNA sequence itself.

Historically, DNA and RNA epigenetics have been studied as separate systems, each appearing to function independently and contributing to different phases of gene regulation. However, researchers from the Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics at ULB Faculty of Medicine, ULB-Cancer Research Center, and Jules Bordet Institute, H.U.B., led by François Fuks, have challenged this perspective. Their recent study, published in Cell, reveals that DNA and RNA epigenetics are more interconnected than previously understood.

The researchers found that these mechanisms form a complementary regulatory system. RNA epigenetics dynamically modulates gene usage, while DNA epigenetics organizes the availability of those genes. Specifically, their findings show that a gene is activated more effectively when both markers are present. Conversely, gene activity diminishes if one mechanism is impaired.

François Fuks and his team emphasize the importance of this dual mechanism during critical processes, such as cell development or differentiation into specialized types, such as embryonic stem cells. The interplay between DNA and RNA epigenetics ensures the precise regulation of gene activity essential for organism development and cellular function.

This discovery represents a significant advancement in our understanding of gene regulation, uncovering a previously unknown mode of control. It provides new insights into cellular biology and sheds light on how disruptions in these mechanisms may contribute to diseases like cancer.

Beyond its biological implications, this breakthrough holds promise for improving cancer therapies. By targeting DNA and RNA epigenetics simultaneously, researchers aim to develop “epigenetic drugs” capable of restoring the balance in diseased cells. Such an approach could lead to more personalized and effective treatments for cancer patients.

Building on these findings, Professor Fuks’ team is conducting further research to explore the clinical potential of epigenetic therapies that act on both DNA and RNA. These ongoing studies aim to translate their discovery into real-world applications, offering hope for more precise and individualized approaches to cancer treatment.