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Epigenetics of Atherosclerosis: Emerging Mechanisms and Methods
Nadiya Khyzha1, Azad Alizada2, Michael D Wilson2
1Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Heart & Stroke Richard Lewar Centre of Excellence in Cardiovascular Research, Toronto, Canada.
Trends in Molecular Medicine
|March 15, 2017
Summary
Epigenetic modifications play a key role in atherosclerosis, a vascular disease involving arterial plaque buildup. Emerging genomic technologies offer new therapeutic and biomarker opportunities for understanding and treating this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a vascular pathology involving inflammation and plaque buildup in arteries.
- Plaque rupture can lead to severe outcomes like myocardial and cerebral infarction.
- Epigenetic alterations are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent therapeutically relevant epigenetic discoveries in atherosclerosis.
- To highlight emerging genomic technologies for studying atherogenesis.
- To explore new opportunities for atherosclerosis research based on epigenetic insights.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on epigenetics and atherosclerosis.
- Discussion of emerging genomic profiling techniques (DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility, histone modifications, transcription factor binding, RNA expression).
- Focus on single-cell and low-input genomic approaches.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic changes are strongly associated with atherosclerosis development and progression.
- Advanced genomic technologies provide enhanced spatiotemporal understanding of atherogenesis.
- Therapeutic and biomarker potential exists within epigenetic modifications.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial in atherosclerosis.
- Novel genomic technologies are advancing the study of atherosclerosis.
- Future research directions include leveraging epigenetic insights for novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.
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