Document Detail


Epigenetics and autoimmunity.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20053532     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Advances in genetics, such as sequencing of the human genome, have contributed to identification of susceptible genetic patterns in autoimmune diseases (AID). However, genetics is only one aspect of the diseases that does not reflect the influence of environment, sex or aging. Epigenetics, the control of gene packaging and expression independent of alterations in the DNA sequence, is providing new directions linking genetics and environmental factors. Recent findings have contributed to our understanding of how epigenetic modifications could influence AID development, showing differences between AID patients and healthy controls but also showing how one disease differs from another. With regards to epigenetic abnormalities, DNA methylation and histone modifications could be affected leading to large spatial and temporal changes in gene regulation. Other epigenetic processes, such as the influence of the ionic milieu around chromatin and DNA supercoiling stresses may be suspected also. The newly described role of microRNAs in control of gene expression is important by promoting or suppressing autoreactivity in AID. As a consequence control of cellular processes is affected becoming conducive, for example, to the development of autoreactive lymphocytes in systemic lupus erythematosus, synoviocyte proliferation in rheumatoid arthritis, or neural demyelination in multiple sclerosis. Application of epigenetics to AID is in its infancy and requires new hypotheses, techniques, tools, and collaborations between basic epigenetic researchers and autoimmune researchers in order to improve our comprehension of AID. From this will arise new therapeutics, means for early intervention, and perhaps prevention.
Authors:
Wesley H Brooks; Christelle Le Dantec; Jacques-Olivier Pers; Pierre Youinou; Yves Renaudineau
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Review     Date:  2010-01-06
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of autoimmunity     Volume:  34     ISSN:  1095-9157     ISO Abbreviation:  J. Autoimmun.     Publication Date:  2010 May 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-03-09     Completed Date:  2010-09-07     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8812164     Medline TA:  J Autoimmun     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  J207-19     Citation Subset:  IM    
Copyright Information:
Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Affiliation:
Experimental HTS, Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Autoimmune Diseases / etiology*,  immunology,  physiopathology
Autoimmunity / genetics*
DNA Methylation / immunology
Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
Epigenesis, Genetic*
Gene Expression Regulation
Humans
Metagenomics*
MicroRNAs
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/MicroRNAs

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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