Emerging role of epigenetics in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis is a complex connective tissue disease with autoimmunity, inflammation, vascular issues, and fibrosis.
• Despite advances in understanding molecular mechanisms, no specific disease-modifying treatments are currently available.
• Epigenetics, heritable changes not altering DNA sequence, is increasingly linked to autoimmune diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of epigenetics in systemic sclerosis.
• To evaluate the contribution of various epigenetic modifications.
• To explore epigenetic modulators as potential therapeutic options.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on epigenetics in systemic sclerosis.
• Analysis of epigenetic mechanisms including microRNAs and DNA methylation.
• Appraisal of emerging research on epigenetic dysregulation.

Main Results:

• Epigenetic modifications are associated with systemic sclerosis, similar to other rheumatic diseases.
• While microRNAs have been a focus, DNA methylation is emerging as a key factor.
• Dysregulation of epigenetic processes contributes to disease pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Epigenetics represents a significant area of research in systemic sclerosis.
• Understanding specific epigenetic modifications is crucial for therapeutic development.
• Modulators of epigenetic changes hold potential as novel treatments for systemic sclerosis.