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Epigenetics in the pathogenesis of RA

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Abstract

Epigenetic modifications can stably alter gene expression and have been shown to be important in the maintenance of cell type-specific functions as well as in cell differentiation, e.g., in T and B cell maturation. In RA, alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression have been found in immune as well as in stromal cells. These changes in the epigenome in RA patients influence key inflammatory and matrix-degrading pathways and are suspected to play a major role in the pathogenesis of RA. In this manuscript, we explain the basic mechanisms of epigenetics, review studies that analyzed epigenetic changes in RA, and assess their potential as therapeutic targets.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Wagistrasse 14, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland

    Caroline Ospelt, Steffen Gay & Kerstin Klein

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  1. Caroline Ospelt
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  2. Steffen Gay
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  3. Kerstin Klein
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Correspondence to Caroline Ospelt.

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This article is a contribution to the special issue on Immunopathology of Rheumatoid Arthritis -- Guest Editors: Cem Gabay and Paul Hasler

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Ospelt, C., Gay, S. & Klein, K. Epigenetics in the pathogenesis of RA. Semin Immunopathol 39, 409–419 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00281-017-0621-5

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