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Published on: October 26, 2020
Epigenetic modifications of the renin-angiotensin system in cardiometabolic diseases
Mona Elgazzaz1,2, Eric Lazartigues1,2,3
1Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, U.S.A.
Insights
Epigenetics bridges environmental and genetic factors in cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs). Understanding epigenetic modifications to the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) offers new therapeutic targets for these prevalent conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Genetics
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) are leading causes of mortality, with complex etiologies.
- Genetic and environmental factors alone fail to fully explain individual disease susceptibility.
- Epigenetics offers a crucial link between environmental exposures and gene expression, influencing disease development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epigenetic modifications targeting the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) components.
- To explore the impact of these modifications on cardiometabolic dysfunction susceptibility.
- To highlight therapeutic strategies targeting RAS epigenetic imprints.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epigenetic mechanisms affecting RAS genes.
- Analysis of how epigenetic changes influence cardiovascular and metabolic regulation.
- Examination of therapeutic interventions targeting epigenetic modifications.
Main Results:
- Identified three common epigenetic modulations impacting RAS.
- Demonstrated the link between epigenetic RAS alterations and cardiometabolic disease susceptibility.
- Showcased potential therapeutic benefits of targeting these epigenetic marks.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic modifications of RAS genes play a significant role in CMD development.
- Targeting these epigenetic changes presents a promising therapeutic avenue for CMD.
- Further research into RAS epigenetics can improve CMD prevention and treatment.
Abstract:
Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) are among the most prevalent and the highest mortality diseases. Single disease etiology such as gene mutation, polymorphisms, or environmental exposure has failed to explain the origin of CMD. This can be evident in the discrepancies in disease susceptibility among individuals exposed to the same environmental insult or who acquire the same genetic variation. Epigenetics is the intertwining of genetic and environmental factors that results in diversity in the disease course, severity, and prognosis among individuals. Environmental exposures modify the epigenome and thus provide a link for translating environmental impact on changes in gene expression and precipitation to pathological conditions. Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is comprising genes responsible for the regulation of cardiovascular, metabolic, and glycemic functions. Epigenetic modifications of RAS genes can lead to overactivity of the system, increased sympathetic activity and autonomic dysfunction ultimately contributing to the development of CMD. In this review, we describe the three common epigenetic modulations targeting RAS components and their impact on the susceptibility to cardiometabolic dysfunction. Additionally, we highlight the therapeutic efforts of targeting these epigenetic imprints to the RAS and its effects.
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