Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

In Vitro Selection of Engineered Transcriptional Repressors for Targeted Epigenetic Silencing
Published on: May 5, 2023
Epigenomic targets for the treatment of respiratory disease
Rayleen V Bowman1, Casey M Wright, Morgan R Davidson
1The Prince Charles Hospital, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Brisbane, Australia. Rayleen_Bowman@health.qld.gov.au
Background:
A number of processes lead to epigenetic and epigenomic modifications.
Objective:
To address the importance of epigenomics in respiratory disease.
Methods:
Studies of epigenomics were analysed in relation to chronic respiratory diseases.
Results/Conclusion:
In lung cancer and mesothelioma, a number of genes involved in carcinogenesis have been demonstrated to be hypermethylated, implicating epigenomic changes in the aetiology of these cancers. Hypermethylated genes have also been associated with lung cancer recurrence, indicating epigenomic regulation of metastasis. In airway diseases, modulation of histone function may activate inflammatory mechanisms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and lead to relative steroid resistance. There is emerging evidence for the role of epigenetic changes in chronic lung diseases such as asthma, including responses to environmental exposures in utero and to the effects of air pollution. Insight into epigenomics will lead to the development of novel biomarkers and treatment targets in respiratory diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.

