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Epigenetic Reprogramming in Atherosclerosis

  • Genetics (AJ Marian, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Recent data support the involvement of epigenetic alterations in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The most widely investigated epigenetic mechanism is DNA methylation although also histone code changes occur during the diverse steps of atherosclerosis, such as endothelial cell proliferation, vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation, and inflammatory pathway activation. In this review, we focus on the main genes that are epigenetically modified during the atherogenic process, particularly nitric oxide synthase (NOS), estrogen receptors (ERs), collagen type XV alpha 1 (COL15A1), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), and ten-eleven translocation (TET), which are involved in endothelial dysfunction; gamma interferon (IFN-γ), forkhead box p3 (FOXP3), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), associated with atherosclerotic inflammatory process; and p66shc, lectin-like oxLDL receptor (LOX1), and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genes, which are regulated by high cholesterol and homocysteine (Hcy) levels. Furthermore, we also discuss the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) in atherosclerosis. NcRNAs are involved in epigenetic regulation of endothelial function, SMC proliferation, cholesterol synthesis, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory response.

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Vincenzo Grimaldi, Maria Teresa Vietri, Concetta Schiano, Antonietta Picascia, Maria Rosaria De Pascale, Carmela Fiorito, Amelia Casamassimi, and Claudio Napoli declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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  1. U.O.C. Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Immunology [SIMT], Regional Reference Laboratory of Transplant Immunology [LIT], Azienda Universitaria Policlinico (AOU), Second University of Naples (SUN), Piazza L. Miraglia 2, 80138, Naples, Italy

    Vincenzo Grimaldi, Antonietta Picascia, Maria Rosaria De Pascale, Carmela Fiorito & Claudio Napoli

  2. Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, Second University of Naples (SUN), Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy

    Maria Teresa Vietri & Amelia Casamassimi

  3. Institute of Diagnostic and Nuclear Development (SDN), IRCCS, Via E. Gianturco 113, 80143, Naples, Italy

    Concetta Schiano & Claudio Napoli

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  1. Vincenzo Grimaldi
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  2. Maria Teresa Vietri
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Correspondence to Vincenzo Grimaldi.

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Vincenzo Grimaldi, Maria Teresa Vietri, and Concetta Schiano contributed equally to this article.

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Grimaldi, V., Vietri, M.T., Schiano, C. et al. Epigenetic Reprogramming in Atherosclerosis. Curr Atheroscler Rep 17, 476 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-014-0476-3

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