Abstract
Introduction
Epigenetics refers to changes in phenotype and gene expression that occur without alterations in DNA sequence. MicroRNAs are relatively recently discovered negative regulators of gene expression and act at the posttranscriptional level.
Methods
This review summarizes epigenetic mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension, focusing on microRNAs related to pulmonary hypertension.
Results
There are three major mechanisms of epigenetic regulation, including methylation of CpG islands, modification of histone proteins, and microRNAs. There may be an epigenetic component to pulmonary hypertension. These epigenetic abnormalities can be reversed therapeutically.
Conclusions
By better integrating network biology with evolving technologies in cell culture and in vivo experimentation, we will better understand epigenetic mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension and identify more diagnostic and therapeutic targets in pulmonary hypertension.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the Ruikang Hospital Natural Science Foundation (Grant No. ZKZ201001), Projects in Guangxi Health Department (Grant No. GZPT13-27), Guangxi key scientific and technological project (Grant No. 2013BC26236), and National Science Foundation of China (Grant Code: 81360014).
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Huang, Jb., Liang, J., Zhao, Xf. et al. Epigenetics: Novel Mechanism of Pulmonary Hypertension . Lung 191, 601–610 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-013-9505-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-013-9505-1