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The Epigenetics of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

By admin | June 20, 2006

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), which is the most common form of lupus, affects one out of every 285 Americans (Lupus Research Institute). Lupus is characterized as an autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system becomes hyperactive and produces antibodies that attack normal tissues and organs, such as the skin, brain, kidney, heart, lungs, and blood. Most people with lupus lapse between periods of illness, called flares, and periods of remission. Lupus can be a particularly debilitating disease, with symptoms that may include swollen and painful joints, severe fatigue, abnormal blood clotting, chest pain upon deep breathing, and seizures.

While these symptoms are treatable, and the majority of those who are affected by lupus are able to lead normal, healthy lives, the cause and development of SLE is poorly understood. The investigation of epigenetic mechanisms that may lead to development of lupus may be key to improved treatment options for those that suffer with this autoimmune inflammatory disease.

The June edition of the Journal of Immunology contains a brief review by Ballestar et al. on the research findings that point to an epigenetic “face” to the cause of SLE. For instance, drugs that demethylate T cells, such as 5-azacytidine, are used by researchers to induce lupus-like disease in mice. Additionally, demethylation of certain gene promoter and regulatory sequences contributes to aberrant overexpression of various genes. Both of these findings suggest that DNA methylation may play a role in the development of lupus.

Histone modifications may also play a role in the development of SLE. SLE Th cells show abnormal expression of certain gene products involved in regulation of the immune system, but these effects can be reversed with treatment using a histone deacetylase inhibitor. This finding provides evidence that histone modifications, another epigenetic alteration, could play a role in the development of lupus as well.

The authors of the paper make a strong recommendation for further research investigating the role that epigenetic alterations may play in developing lupus. “We truly believe,” the authors note, “that the future in the treatment of SLE depends greatly on the ability to revert epigenetic alterations…” Link

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    • Topics: commentary, environmental alterations, research articles |

    2 Responses to “The Epigenetics of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)”

    1. Genetics and Health » Grand Rounds 2(40) and Mendel’s Garden #2 Says:
      June 28th, 2006 at 3:41 pm

      [...] Dr. Stuart Henochowicz at Medviews is hosting this week’s issue of Grand Rounds Vol 2(4). Fellow genetics blog, Epigenetics News, submitted a post on the epigenetics of systemic lupus erythematosus that might bring hope to those who are still seeking effective treatment options. [...]

    2. Dr.Akusa Yuma Darlington Says:
      September 26th, 2006 at 12:43 am

      C/O HERE IS LIFE,
      P.O. BOX 103,
      ARUA,
      UGANDA

      I am a ugandan male Medical Doctor Interested in operational research.

      I believe SLE could be caused by Viral infection among other aetiological causes.

      I would like at pHD leval endevour to elucdate my hypothesis and need more relevant literature on this topic.

      I am hereby requesting you for a copy of your presentation this week.

      Thank you

      Dr. Akusa Yuma Darlngton