Epigenetic determinants in rheumatoid arthritis: the influence of DNA methylation and histone modifications

Abstract

Epigenetics is a field of science which describes external and environmental modifications to DNA without altering their primary sequences of nucleotides. Contrary to genetic changes, epigenetic modifications are reversible. The epigenetic changes appear as a result of the influence of external factors, such as diet or stress. Epigenetic mechanisms alter the accessibility of DNA by methylation of DNA or post-translational modifications of histones (acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitinqation). The extent of DNA methylation depends on the balance between DNA methyltransferases and demethylases. The main histone modifications are stimulated by K-acetyltransferases, histone deacetylases, K-metyltransferases and K-demethylases. There is proof that environmental modifications of this enzymes regulate immunological processes including autoimmunity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this work we present epigenetic mechanisms involved in RA pathogenesis and a range of research presenting the possible impact of its modification in RA patients.