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.

Keywords::

• biomarker
• chromatin
• CREM
• DNMT
• epigenetics
• inflammation
• methylation
• SLE
• transcription factor
• treatment

Acknowledgements

The authors thank C Hedrich for her English-language consultation on this manuscript.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The work of CM Hedrich is supported by the intramural MeDDrive program, TU Dresden and the Fitz-Thyssen Foundation; GC Tsokos is supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

The work of CM Hedrich is supported by the intramural MeDDrive program, TU Dresden and the Fitz-Thyssen Foundation; GC Tsokos is supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.