title: Epigenetic regulation in vascular cells.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This review summarizes recent findings in the epigenetics of vascular cells and discusses the new challenges for therapeutic strategies of cardiovascular diseases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There is emerging optimism that epigenetic mechanisms can provide the missing link to connect (epi)genomes with the cause of complex diseases. Environmental factors like intrauterine conditions during fetal development appear to preprogram humans for complex diseases. The purpose of this review is to summarize the newest results about the inheritable epigenetic features of cardiovascular diseases. Also, the recently discovered role of small RNAs in epigenetic gene regulation is discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation will likely become major determinants in the pathogenesis of complex diseases and may offer new opportunities for the treatment of these diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I.Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
authors.forename: Mikko P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Turunen
authors.forename: Einari
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Aavik
authors.forename: Seppo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ylä-Herttuala
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006801:Humans