Vitamin D receptor gene is epigenetically altered and transcriptionally up-regulated in multiple sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) and poor outcome. However, the specific role that vitamin D plays in MS still remains unknown. In order to identify potential mechanisms underlying vitamin D effects in MS, we profiled epigenetic changes in vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene to identify genomic regulatory elements relevant to MS pathogenesis.

Methods

Human T cells derived from whole blood by negative selection were isolated in a set of 23 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients and 12 controls matched by age and gender. DNA methylation levels were assessed by bisulfite cloning sequencing in two regulatory elements of VDR. mRNA levels were measured by RT-qPCR to assess changes in VDR expression between patients and controls.

SUBMITTER: Ayuso T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5371344 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature