Epigenetic regulation in vascular cells

Vascular homeostasis at high-altitude: role of genetic variants and transcription factors

High-altitude pulmonary edema occurs most frequently in non-acclimatized low landers on exposure to altitude ≥2500 m. High-altitude pulmonary edema is a complex condition that involves perturbation of signaling pathways in vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, anti-diuretics, and vascular growth factors. Genetic variations are instrumental in regulating these pathways and evidence is accumulating for a role of epigenetic modification in hypoxic responses. This review focuses on the crosstalk between high-altitude pulmonary edema-associated genetic variants and transcription factors, comparing high-altitude adapted and high-altitude pulmonary edema-afflicted subjects. This approach might ultimately yield biomarker information both to understand and to design therapies for high-altitude adaptation.

Epigenetics of paraoxonases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Studies have shown the three-member paraoxonase (PON) multigene family to be involved in the development of a large variety of diseases with an inflammatory component. Environmental factors such as lifestyle-related factors differ widely between populations and it is important to consider that their impacts may be exerted through the epigenetic mechanisms, which connect genes, the environment and disease development and are a potential therapeutic avenue.

RECENT FINDINGS

In the review period, very little was published on epigenetics of PON2 or PON3, mostly on their diagnostic value in cancer by measuring methylation levels of these genes. However, the picture is more promising with PON1. Here, several studies have linked the epigenetic regulation of PON1 to various metabolic processes and particularly to the development of several diseases, including stroke, heart disease, aortic valve stenosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

SUMMARY

Studies into the epigenetic regulation of the PON family are in their infancy. However, recent studies linking epigenetic regulation of PON1 to disease development will encourage further research and open up the possibility for new potential therapeutic interventions.

Unraveling the DNA methylome of atherosclerosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Epigenetic mechanisms of transcriptional regulation in atherosclerosis have gained an increasing interest in recent years. We focus on the relevance of DNA methylation, a well characterized epigenetic modification of the genome, as a biomarker and underlying mechanism of atherosclerosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

A growing number of loci have been identified, which are good candidate biomarkers for atherosclerosis and provide novel insights into the molecular changes taking place in the diseased vessel. Understanding the global change in DNA methylation during atherosclerosis remains a challenge. Novel unfolding research avenues include the interplay between genetic variants and DNA methylation patterns, and the role of long noncoding RNAs as epigenetic regulators.

SUMMARY

Epigenetics continues to represent a promising area of research in atherosclerosis. The full exploitation of cutting edge epigenomics will be decisive to define whether epigenetics will contribute to lower the burden of cardiovascular diseases.