Impact of epigenetic mechanisms on therapeutic approaches of hemoglobinopathies

Dario Costa1, Maria Capuano1, Linda Sommese1

  • 1U.O.C. Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Immunology (SIMT), Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU), Second University of Naples, Italy.

Hemoglobinopathies are inherited disorders characterized by anomalies of structure, function or production of globin chains. From conception to adulthood, the different expressions over time of the various globin chains depend on the activation/deactivation of different globin genes through methylation and chromatin remodeling processes. The most significant clinical disorders are β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease. The clinical management of these disorders engages regular blood transfusions. Another therapy is represented by allogeneic hematopoietic cells transplantation. There are several studies based on the innovative therapeutic strategies that involve some epigenetic mechanisms focused on the reactivation of γ-globin gene expression. The induction of fetal hemoglobin expression in adulthood is an effective therapy for these disorders. Particularly interesting are the recent data on miRNAs showing the interaction of these molecules with different transcription factors such as MYB, KLF, BCL11A and SOX6. The aim of this review was to report an update on the dynamic epigenetic modifications as targets for therapy in hemoglobinopathies.

Related Concept Videos

Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic 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...
4.2K
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
34.4K
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

26.3K
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets01:29

Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets

Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
88
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu01:29

Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu

Genetic variations significantly influence drug response through pharmacokinetics, receptor interactions, and biologic milieu modifications. Pharmacokinetic alterations impact drug metabolism and clearance, affecting efficacy and toxicity. Variants in drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, alter drug activation and elimination. For example, CYP2C9 loss-of-function variants require lower warfarin doses to prevent excessive bleeding, while CYP2C19 variants reduce clopidogrel...
119
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase01:11

Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase

Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...
69