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Updated: Sep 5, 2025
11:19
Correlating Gene-specific DNA Methylation Changes with Expression and Transcriptional Activity of Astrocytic KCNJ10 Kir4.1
Published on: September 26, 2015
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Are Alterations in DNA Methylation Related to CKD Development?
Jacek Rysz1, Beata Franczyk1, Magdalena Rysz-Górzyńska2
1Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 113 Żeromskego Street, 90-549 Lodz, Poland.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 9, 2022
Summary
Genomic DNA methylation alterations impact cellular processes and disease, particularly chronic kidney disease (CKD). Understanding these epigenetic changes in CKD is key for early detection and management.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Genomic DNA methylation is crucial for regulating normal and pathological cellular functions.
- Epigenetic modifications drive biological plasticity in response to environmental changes.
- Aberrant DNA methylation is implicated in diseases like cancer, atherogenesis, and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of DNA methylation in the development and progression of CKD.
- To explore how epigenetic alterations influence gene expression in kidney disease.
- To highlight the potential of understanding genetic-epigenetic profiles for CKD management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on DNA methylation and CKD.
- Analysis of how factors like homocysteine, hypoxia, and inflammation affect epigenetic regulation in CKD.
- Examination of data linking DNA methylation variations to fibrosis and eGFR in human CKD patients.
Main Results:
- Altered DNA methylation modulates pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic gene expression in CKD.
- Epigenetic changes impact genes vital for kidney development and function, accelerating disease progression.
- Studies show a correlation between DNA methylation variations, renal fibrosis, and reduced eGFR in CKD.
Conclusions:
- Unraveling the genetic-epigenetic profile in CKD enhances understanding of disease mechanisms.
- Knowledge of the DNA methylation-gene expression-disease relationship can improve CKD risk identification.
- Targeting epigenetic pathways may offer new strategies for CKD management and treatment.
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