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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
21:24
Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation
Published on: January 2, 2009
What can we learn from epigenetics in the year 2009?
Astrid Jüngel1, Caroline Ospelt, Steffen Gay
1Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital and Zurich Center of Integrative Human Physiology, Switzerland. Astrid.Juengel@usz.ch
Current Opinion in Rheumatology
|March 23, 2010
Summary
Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and microRNAs, offer new insights into rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis. Research highlights these changes, potentially leading to novel epigenetic drugs for improved autoimmune disease therapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease causing joint destruction.
- Current biologic therapies, like tumor necrosis factor-alpha blockers, improve symptoms but do not cure RA.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed for effective rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on epigenetic modifications in rheumatoid arthritis and other arthritides.
- To explore how epigenetic changes influence gene expression in autoimmune diseases.
- To identify potential new therapeutic strategies based on epigenetic research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies published within the last year.
- Analysis of research on epigenetic modifications: DNA methylation, histone modifications (acetylation/deacetylation, sumoylation), and microRNAs.
- Examination of the interplay between epigenetic modifications and circadian rhythms.
Main Results:
- Recent findings reveal significant epigenetic modifications in gene expression in various arthritides.
- These modifications include DNA methylation, histone acetylation/deacetylation, sumoylation, and microRNAs.
- Epigenetic changes appear to function in concert and are linked to cellular circadian metabolic rhythms.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic modifications represent a promising area for understanding and treating rheumatoid arthritis.
- Specific epigenetic drugs targeting acetylation/deacetylation, sumoylation, methylation, and microRNAs could offer better therapeutic options.
- Further research into epigenetic mechanisms may lead to more effective treatments for autoimmune joint diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
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02:32Histone Modification
The histone proteins have a flexible N-terminal tail extending out from the nucleosome. These histone tails are often subjected to post-translational modifications such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination. Particular combinations of these modifications form “histone codes” that influence the chromatin folding and tissue-specific gene expression.
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The histone proteins have a flexible N-terminal tail extending out from the nucleosome. These histone tails are often subjected to post-translational modifications such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination. Particular combinations of these modifications form “histone codes” that influence the chromatin folding and tissue-specific gene expression.
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Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
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