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Epigenetic Regulation of Cardiac Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells and Tissues
Published on: June 3, 2016
Epigenetic Mechanisms in Heart Diseases
1Medical Faculty, Department of Biophysics, Trakya University, 22030 Edirne, Türkiye.
Insights
Epigenetic mechanisms significantly regulate heart diseases (HDs) by altering gene expression. Understanding these epigenetic pathways, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, is key to developing novel biomarkers and precision therapies for cardiovascular pathology.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Epigenetics
- Genomics
Background:
- Heart diseases (HDs) are a major global health concern with complex contributing factors.
- Epigenetic mechanisms, which modify gene expression without changing DNA sequence, are increasingly recognized as crucial in cardiovascular pathology.
- Early detection and diagnosis are vital for improving heart disease treatment and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent discoveries in the epigenetic regulation of heart diseases.
- To highlight the roles of key epigenetic modifiers like DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), sirtuins (SIRTs), and ten-eleven translocation proteins (TETs).
- To explore preclinical therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic modifiers for precision cardiology.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on epigenetics and heart disease.
- Analysis of next-generation sequencing techniques' contributions to understanding epigenetic roles.
- Examination of specific epigenetic mechanisms: DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs.
Main Results:
- Abnormal methylation states in candidate genes can serve as biomarkers for heart disease progression.
- Epigenetic mechanisms influence the expression of genes associated with heart disease.
- Advances in sequencing have deepened the understanding of epigenetic roles in cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusions:
- Understanding epigenetic pathways is crucial for developing novel biomarkers and therapies for heart diseases.
- Targeting epigenetic modifiers offers new avenues for precision medicine in cardiology.
- Epigenetic-based therapies hold promise for reversing maladaptive cardiac remodeling and improving clinical outcomes.
Abstract:
Heart diseases (HDs) continue to be among the major diseases that adversely affect human health worldwide, with complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and biochemical factors contributing to their progression. These include coronary heart disease, hypertension, heart failure, vascular calcification, etc. Cardiovascular diseases have been extensively studied in the Framingham Heart Study since 1948, spanning three generations over the past 70 years, and are highly correlated with various factors, including biochemical, environmental, behavioral, and genetic factors. In recent years, epigenetic mechanisms have emerged as crucial regulators of cardiovascular pathology, influencing gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Moreover, early detection and diagnosis of heart diseases are crucial for improving treatment and prognosis. Recent studies on heart disease have found that the expression of potential candidate genes related to the disease is associated with epigenetic mechanisms. Indeed, abnormal methylation states have been detected in candidate genes that can serve as biomarkers to assess the progression of heart disease. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing techniques have contributed significantly to our understanding of heart diseases, including the role of DNA methylation, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent chromatin conformation and remodeling, post-translational modifications of histones and non-coding RNAs. Lastly, this review examines the latest discoveries in the epigenetic regulation of heart diseases, highlighting the roles of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), sirtuins (SIRTs), and ten-eleven translocation proteins (TETs). Additionally, this review highlights preclinical therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic modifiers, offering new avenues for precision medicine in cardiology. Understanding these epigenetic pathways is crucial for developing novel biomarkers and epigenetic-based therapies that aim to reverse maladaptive cardiac remodeling and enhance clinical outcomes.
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