Epigenomic targets for the treatment of respiratory disease.
BACKGROUND
A number of processes lead to epigenetic and epigenomic modifications.


OBJECTIVE
To address the importance of epigenomics in respiratory disease.


METHODS
Studies of epigenomics were analysed in relation to chronic respiratory diseases.


CONCLUSIONS
In lung cancer and mesothelioma, a number of genes involved in carcinogenesis have been demonstrated to be hypermethylated, implicating epigenomic changes in the aetiology of these cancers. Hypermethylated genes have also been associated with lung cancer recurrence, indicating epigenomic regulation of metastasis. In airway diseases, modulation of histone function may activate inflammatory mechanisms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and lead to relative steroid resistance. There is emerging evidence for the role of epigenetic changes in chronic lung diseases such as asthma, including responses to environmental exposures in utero and to the effects of air pollution. Insight into epigenomics will lead to the development of novel biomarkers and treatment targets in respiratory diseases.
Bowman
Rayleen V
RV
The Prince Charles Hospital, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Brisbane, Australia. Rayleen_Bowman@health.qld.gov.au
Wright
Casey M
CM
Davidson
Morgan R
MR
Francis
Santiyagu M Savarimuthu
SM
Yang
Ian A
IA
Fong
Kwun M
KM
D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000235:genetics; D002843:Chromatin / Q000378:metabolism; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D023281:Genomics; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*
D002843:Chromatin; D006657:Histones; D035683:MicroRNAs