title: The Promise of Epigenetics. Has It Delivered New Insights?
abstract: Enrichment of GWAS signals within cell-specific enhancers defines cellular subsets most associated to IBD and highlights the critical role of epigenetics in IBD. We review the central role of the interleukin 23 (IL-23) pathway in cellular plasticity, mechanisms which are significantly mediated by epigenetic regulation of master transcription factors of various CD4+ T-cell subsets. Present studies need to be complemented by a deeper understanding of intestine-specific gene expression and epigenetics, especially in mononuclear phagocytes, given their enormous plasticity, and tissue-dependent function. A deeper understanding and application of epigenetics may impact and guide early treatment and ultimately, disease prevention in IBD.
authors.affiliation: Genetics and Gastroenterology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, N.Y., USA.
authors.forename: Judy H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Cho
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D053759:Interleukin-23 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D053759:Interleukin-23