Epigenetics in cardiovascular disease

Curr Opin Cardiol. 2011 May;26(3):209-15. doi: 10.1097/HCO.0b013e328345986e.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To provide an overview of the biological processes implicated in chromatin-based pathways that control endothelial gene expression patterns in both health and disease and highlight how these processes are relevant to cardiovascular disease.

Recent findings: Epigenetics refers to chromatin-based pathways important in the regulation of gene expression and includes three distinct, but highly interrelated, mechanisms: DNA methylation, histone density and posttranslational modifications, and RNA-based mechanisms. It is of great interest that epigenetic regulation of genes enriched in the vascular endothelium is a prominent regulatory pathway. How environmental cues within the vasculature, such as hemodynamic forces or hypoxia, influence these epigenetic mechanisms will be reviewed.

Summary: Although a newer area for study, exciting new evidence identifies that epigenetic processes are highly dynamic and respond to a myriad of environmental stimuli. Integrating chromatin-based pathways into our understanding of gene expression offers newer insight into disease processes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / genetics*
  • Chromatin
  • DNA Methylation
  • Endothelium, Vascular
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Epigenomics*
  • Gene Expression
  • Gene Regulatory Networks / genetics*
  • Hemodynamics
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Shear Strength

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Histones