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Epigenetic Perspectives in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Pathogenesis, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Potentials

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Abstract

System lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies that cause widespread tissue damage. The underlying etiology remains largely unknown. Aberrant epigenetics plays essential roles in the pathogenesis of SLE. This review explores the links between DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNAs in SLE and highlights how these factors may interact in SLE pathogenesis. We also discuss how furthering our knowledge of epigenetics in lupus provides hope for finding new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets and strategies.

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Acknowledgments

This study received financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (nos. 30730083 and 30671883), the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Plan) (2009CB825605), Hunan Natural Science Foundation (no. 06C0049), and The Science Foundation of Hunan Province (no. 06SK3033).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Epigenetic Research Center, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, #139 Renmin Middle Rd, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People’s Republic of China

    Sha Zhao, Hai Long & Qianjin Lu

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  1. Sha Zhao
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  2. Hai Long
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  3. Qianjin Lu
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Correspondence to Qianjin Lu.

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Sha Zhao and Hai Long contributed equally to this work.

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Zhao, S., Long, H. & Lu, Q. Epigenetic Perspectives in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Pathogenesis, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Potentials. Clinic Rev Allerg Immunol 39, 3–9 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-009-8165-7

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