title: Epigenetics and its role in periodontal diseases: a state-of-the-art review.
abstract: The immune response to oral bacteria and the subsequent activation of inflammatory signaling is not only dependent on genetic factors. The importance of so-called epigenetic mechanisms presents additional regulatory pathways of genes involved in maintaining chronic inflammation, including gingivitis and periodontitis. The term epigenetics relates to changes in gene expression that are not encoded in the DNA sequence itself and include chemical alterations of DNA and its associated proteins. These changes lead to remodeling of the chromatin and subsequent activation or inactivation of a gene. Epigenetic mechanisms have been found to contribute to disease, including cancer and autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. In this state-of-the art review, the authors provide the latest findings on the involvement of epigenetic modifications in the development of periodontal disease and present emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at epigenetic targets (epidrugs) associated with the disruption of tissue homeostasis and the development of periodontitis.
authors.affiliation: Currently, Department of Periodontology, Institute of Odontology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; previously, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
authors.forename: Lena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Larsson
authors.forename: Rogerio M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Castilho
authors.forename: William V
authors.initials: WV
authors.lastname: Giannobile
mesh_terms: D019175:DNA Methylation / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D055261:Immunogenetic Phenomena / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology
keywords: Acetylation; DNA methylation; epigenomics; genetics; histones; periodontitis