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Epigenetic histone modifications in kidney disease and epigenetic memory
Kensuke Sasaki1, Takao Masaki2
1Department of Nephrology, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan. kensasaki@hiroshima-u.ac.jp.
Clinical and Experimental Nephrology
|April 5, 2025
Summary
Epigenetic modifications, like histone changes, drive kidney disease progression. Targeting these epigenetic mechanisms offers promising new therapies for conditions such as diabetic kidney disease and chronic kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs) are influenced by environment and crucial in kidney diseases like diabetic kidney disease (DKD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and hypertension.
- Epigenetic changes create a lasting 'cellular memory' impacting chronic disease progression.
- Histone modifications are reversible regulators of gene expression via chromatin structure alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in epigenetics and kidney disease.
- To highlight the role of histone modifications in kidney disease pathogenesis.
- To emphasize the potential of epigenetics-based therapies for kidney disease management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in epigenetics and kidney disease.
- Analysis of functional evidence linking histone modifications to kidney disease pathogenesis.
- Discussion of current and potential epigenetic therapies.
Main Results:
- Histone modifications, especially histone tail methylation, are functionally implicated in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases.
- Epigenetic memory contributes to the long-term effects of chronic kidney conditions.
- Targeting epigenetic mechanisms shows promise for novel therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Histone modifications are key players in kidney disease development.
- Epigenetics-based therapies hold significant translational potential for transforming kidney disease management.
- Further research into kidney-specific epigenetic pathways may enable precision therapies.
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