title: DNA methylation: new therapeutic implications for hepatic fibrosis.
abstract: DNA methylation refers to a heritable alteration in the pattern of gene expression that is regulated by a mechanism specifically not owing to changes in the primary nucleotide sequence. The transcriptional silencing caused by DNA methylation affects genes involved in the main cellular pathways: cell cycle control, Ras signaling, apoptosis, and detoxification. Recent studies have shown that methylation modifications orchestrate the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrices (ECMs). The activation of HSCs is mediated by multiple signal transduction pathways and is generally regarded as the major ECM producer responsible for liver fibrosis. In addition, aberrant methylation of specific gene involved in the activation of multiple signal transduction pathways in liver fibrosis. The aim of this review is to compile recent information on aberrant DNA methylation in hepatic fibrosis and to highlight key genes and molecular pathways in hepatic fibrosis formation.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
authors.forename: Er-Bao
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Bian
authors.forename: Cheng
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Hua
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Bao-Ming
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Xiong-wen
authors.initials: XW
authors.lastname: Lv
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism*; D004248:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D019175:DNA Methylation; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism; D055166:Hepatic Stellate Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D020672:I-kappa B Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D000072000:NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D020672:I-kappa B Proteins; C000606204:NFKBIA protein, human; D000072000:NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha; D004247:DNA; D004248:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases