DNA Methylation and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Authors: BALADA, EVA; ORDI-ROS, JOSEP; VILARDELL-TARRÉS, MIQUEL

Source: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, Volume 1108, Number 1, June 2007 , pp. 127-136(10)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $48.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Several studies have indicated the importance of DNA hypomethylation in the etiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Different enzymes linked to the DNA methylation process have been described. The identification of all these enzymes means that cells have the capacity to modify their methylation patterns. Therefore, to obtain a deeper understanding of the role this epigenetic mechanism may have on SLE, the enzymes involved in the DNA methylation mechanism must be thoughtfully analyzed. In fact, studies of enzymes (other than DNMT1) in this autoimmune disease are still lacking. We have recently investigated the simultaneous gene expression of DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, MBD2, and MBD4 in SLE patients. Here we review some of the studies that focus on the relationship between DNA methylation and SLE as well as we report our recent findings in this field. We suggest some alternative hypothesis that could help to understand the causes of the global DNA hypomethylation observed in the CD4⁺ T cells of these patients.

Keywords: systemic lupus erythematosus; T cells; DNA methylation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1196/annals.1422.015

Affiliations: 1: Research Unit in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain

Publication date: 2007-06-01