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The Epigenomic Landscape in Osteoarthritis
Tommie C Simon1, Matlock A Jeffries2,3
1Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
Current Rheumatology Reports
|May 1, 2017
Summary
Epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation and noncoding RNAs play a role in osteoarthritis (OA) development. Further research into epigenomics will deepen our understanding of OA pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Osteoarthritis (OA) research
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Epigenetic alterations, especially DNA methylation, have been historically linked to OA pathogenesis.
- Recent advancements enable detailed epigenome-wide studies in OA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce fundamental epigenetics concepts.
- To review recent applications of epigenetics in studying OA development and progression.
Main Methods:
- Review of epigenome-wide studies in OA.
- Examination of DNA methylation patterns.
- Analysis of noncoding RNA involvement.
Main Results:
- Epigenetics involves DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs regulating gene transcription.
- Differential methylation observed in cartilage and bone genes related to OA.
- Noncoding RNAs, like miR-140, implicated in OA via catabolic factor modulation.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial in OA pathogenesis.
- Further epigenomic studies are needed to understand extra-articular tissues and early OA stages.
- Animal models may provide insights into early epigenome alterations in OA.
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