Epigenetic phenomena are defined as heritable mechanisms that establish and maintain
mitotically stable patterns of gene expression without modifying the base sequence of DNA.
The major epigenetic features of mammalian cells include DNA methylation, post-
translational histone modifications and RNA-based mechanisms including those controlled
by small non-coding RNAs (miRNAs). The impact of epigenetic mechanisms in
cardiovascular pathophysiology is now emerging as a major player in the interface between …