Epigenetic regulation of HLA class II genes in relation to senescence of organism

Introduction: Glycoproteins of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are an irreplaceable part of immune response regulation and immune homeostasis maintenance. The regulation of the expression plays an important role in adaptive immune response. Recently, DNA methylation in regulatory areas, crucial for DNA availability to transcription factors, is one of the most researched mechanisms of this type of regulation. The DNA methylation is, among others, related to the aging processes. Increased predisposition age-related immunosenescence in higher age could result from the changes in methylation status of regulatory areas of MHC class II genes. Aims: The aim of this thesis is to analyze the methylation status of regulatory areas of DQB1 gene and to compare the differences between generations and specific alleles. The differences in the levels of DQB1 gene mRNA transcription between generations and specific alleles is also compared. Methods: Both DNA and RNA were isolated from blood samples obtained from donors of three different age groups. DNA was genotypized and modified by bisulfite conversion. The regulatory areas of DQB1 genes were then amplified and subcloned into bacteria. The positive clones were selected and subjected to DNA methylation analysis. RNA was reverse transcribed into cDNA..