Contribution of Dysregulated DNA Methylation to Autoimmunity

FERNÁNDEZ-FIERRO A.; KALERGIS, AM.; REBOLLEDO-ZELADA D.; FUNES, SC.; MACKERN-OBERTI, JP.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES

MOLECULAR DIVERSITY PRESERVATION INTERNATIONAL-MDPI

Lugar: Basel; Año: 2021

1422-0067

Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs are known regulators of gene expression and genomic stability in cell growth, development, and differentiation. Because epigenetic mechanisms can regulate several immune system elements, epigenetic alterations have been found in several autoimmune diseases. The purpose of this review is to discuss the epigenetic modifications, mainly DNA methylation, involved in autoimmune diseases in which T cells play a significant role. For example, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus display differential gene methylation, mostly hypomethylated 5′-C-phosphate-G-3′ (CpG) sites that may associate with disease activity. However, a clear association between DNA methylation, gene expression, and disease pathogenesis must be demonstrated. A better understanding of the impact of epigenetic modifications on the onset of autoimmunity will contribute to the design of novel therapeutic approaches for these diseases.