title: DNA methylation in systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease facilitated by aberrant immune responses directed against cells and tissues, resulting in inflammation and organ damage. In the majority of patients, genetic predisposition is accompanied by additional factors conferring disease expression. While the exact molecular mechanisms remain elusive, epigenetic alterations in immune cells have been demonstrated to play a key role in disease pathogenesis through the dysregulation of gene expression. Since epigenetic marks are dynamic, allowing cells and tissues to differentiate and adjust, they can be influenced by environmental factors and also be targeted in therapeutic interventions. Here, we summarize reports on DNA methylation patterns in SLE, underlying molecular defects and their effect on immune cell function. We discuss the potential of DNA methylation as biomarker or therapeutic target in SLE.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Rheumatology & Immunology, Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
authors.forename: Christian M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Hedrich
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Rheumatology & Immunology, Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
authors.forename: Katrin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mäbert
authors.affiliation: Department of Nephrology & Clinical Immunology, RWTH University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rauen
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: George C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Tsokos
mesh_terms: D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D006657:Histones
keywords: CREM; DNMT; SLE; biomarker; chromatin; epigenetics; inflammation; methylation; transcription factor; treatment