Neuroepigenomic Approaches in Translational Neurobiology: A Tribute to Prof. Nina K. Popova

The postmitotic nature of most neurons in human and animal brain emphasizes the importance of epigenetic and epigenomic regulation in CNS function. Epigenetic regulation includes heritable changes that are not associated with alterations in the DNA sequence. The less-studied epigenomic (epitranscriptomic) regulation involves mechanisms that alter the structure and function of expressed RNA without modifying its nucleotide sequence. Recent studies highlight the importance of these processes in the brain and their influence on the pathogenesis of various CNS diseases. Here, we review common known mechanisms of epitranscriptomic regulation, their roles in the CNS, and both clinical and preclinical data on epigenomic modulation of brain functions, with an emphasis on the use of traditional (rodents) and alternative model organisms (zebrafish). We also outline promising research directions in this field. The study is a tribute to memory of Professor Nina K. Popova (1929-2024), a long-time member of the editorial board of journal “Neirokhimiya”, a prominent woman-scientist, a teacher, and a remarkable person.