Epigenetic Variability in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: What We Learned from Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Studies.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

DNA methylation has emerged as an important contributing factor in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, we describe the DNA methylation patterns identified in SLE and how these epigenetic changes can influence disease susceptibility, clinical heterogeneity, and disease flares.

Recent findings

Several genome-wide DNA methylation studies have been recently completed in SLE. Important observations include robust demethylation of interferon-regulated genes, which is consistent across all cell types studied to date, and is independent of disease activity. This interferon epigenetic signature was shown to precede interferon transcription signature in SLE, suggesting it might be an early event in the disease process. Recent studies also re

SUBMITTER: Teruel M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5819620 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature