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Epigenetics in 2013

DNA methylation and miRNA—key roles in systemic autoimmunity

Nature Reviews Rheumatology volume 10, pages 72–74 (2014)Cite this article

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Several advances in 2013 have improved our understanding of how epigenetic mechanisms affect autoimmune disorders. Many new insights were made into the regulation of gene expression by DNA methylation in systemic lupus erythematosus. For rheumatoid arthritis, complex interrelationships between DNA methylation and microRNAs in regulating gene expression were described.

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Figure 1: Recent advances in our understanding of epigenetics and gene expression.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by PHS grants AR42525 and ES017885, and a Merit Grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Medical Center, University of Michigan, 3007 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, 48109-2200, MI, USA

    Bruce C. Richardson

  2. Department of Rheumatology/Immunology, University of Michigan, 3007 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, 48109-2200, MI, USA

    Dipak R. Patel

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  1. Bruce C. Richardson
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Correspondence to Bruce C. Richardson.

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Competing interests

Dr Richardson is on the Scientific Advisory Board for IGNYTA. D. R. Patel declares no competing interests.

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Richardson, B., Patel, D. DNA methylation and miRNA—key roles in systemic autoimmunity. Nat Rev Rheumatol 10, 72–74 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrrheum.2013.211

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