European Journal of Rheumatology
Invited Review

Epigenetics and systemic sclerosis: An answer to disease onset and evolution?

1.

Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, US

Eur J Rheumatol 2020; 7: Supplement S147-S156
DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2020.19112
Read: 791 Downloads: 272 Published: 20 July 2020

There is growing evidence that implicates epigenetic modification in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The complexity of epigenetic regulation and its dynamic nature complicate the investigation of its role in the disease. We will review the current literature for factors that link epigenetics to SSc by discussing DNA methylation, histone acetylation and methylation, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNA changes in endothelial cells, fibroblasts (FBs), and lymphocytes. These three cell types are significantly involved in the early stages and throughout the course of the disease and are particularly vulnerable to epigenetic regulation. The pathogenesis of SSc is likely related to modifications of the epigenome by environmental signals in individuals with a specific genetic makeup. The epigenome is an attractive therapeutic target; however, successful epigenetics-based treatments require a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling the epigenome and its alteration in the disease.

Cite this article as: Ramahi A, Altorok N, Kahaleh B. Epigenetics and systemic sclerosis: An answer to disease onset and evolution? Eur J Rheumatol 2020; 7(Suppl 3): S147-56.

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EISSN 2148-4279