Epigenetic control of scleroderma: current knowledge and future perspectives

PS Tsou - Current Rheumatology Reports, 2019 - Springer
Current Rheumatology Reports, 2019Springer
Abstract Purpose of Review Epigenetics has been implicated in the pathogenesis of
systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this review, the involvement of the three epigenetic mechanisms
in SSc development and progression—DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-
coding RNAs—will be discussed. Recent Findings Alteration in epigenetics was observed in
immune cells, dermal fibroblasts, and endothelial cells derived from SSc patients. Genes
that are affected include those involved in immune cell function and differentiation, TGFβ …
Purpose of Review
Epigenetics has been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this review, the involvement of the three epigenetic mechanisms in SSc development and progression—DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs—will be discussed.
Recent Findings
Alteration in epigenetics was observed in immune cells, dermal fibroblasts, and endothelial cells derived from SSc patients. Genes that are affected include those involved in immune cell function and differentiation, TGFβ and Wnt pathways, extracellular matrix accumulation, transcription factors, and angiogenesis. All the studies remain in the pre-clinical stage.
Summary
Extensive research provides evidence that epigenetic alterations are critical for SSc pathogenesis. Future epigenomic studies will undoubtedly continue to broaden our understanding of disease pathogenesis and clinical heterogeneity. They will also provide the scientific basis for repurposing epigenetic-modifying agents for SSc patients.
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