title: Linking immunity, epigenetics, and cancer in inflammatory bowel disease.
abstract: Most of what is known about the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pertains to complex interplay between host genetics, immunity, and environmental factors. Epigenetic modifications play pivotal roles in intestinal immunity and mucosal homeostasis as well as mediating gene-environment interactions. In this article, we provide a historical account of epigenetic research either directly related or pertinent to the pathogenesis and management of IBD. We further collate emerging evidence supporting roles for epigenetic mechanisms in relevant aspects of IBD biology, including deregulated immunity, host-pathogen recognition and mucosal integrity. Finally, we highlight key epigenetic mechanisms that link chronic inflammation to specific IBD comorbidities, including colitis-associated cancer and discuss their potential utility as novel biomarkers or pharmacologic targets in IBD therapy.
authors.affiliation: *Gastrointestinal Research in Inflammation and Pathology, Infection and Immunity Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; †Department of Paediatrics, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; and ‡Department of Pediatric Rheumatology and Immunology, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Däbritz
authors.forename: Trevelyan R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Menheniott
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D057890:Epigenomics; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology*; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*