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BMC Medicine
Published in: BMC Medicine 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Commentary

Epigenetics in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

Authors: Tibor T Glant, Katalin Mikecz, Tibor A Rauch

Published in: BMC Medicine | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

An increasing number of studies show that besides the inherited genetic architecture (that is, genomic DNA), various environmental factors significantly contribute to the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis. Epigenetic factors react to external stimuli and form bridges between the environment and the genetic information-harboring DNA. Epigenetic mechanisms are implicated in the final interpretation of the encoded genetic information by regulating gene expression, and alterations in their profile influence the activity of the immune system. Overall, epigenetic mechanisms further increase the well-known complexity of rheumatoid arthritis by providing additional subtle contributions to rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility. Although there are controversies regarding the involvement of epigenetic and genetic factors in rheumatoid arthritis etiology, it is becoming obvious that the two systems (genetic and epigenetic) interact with each other and are ultimately responsible for rheumatoid arthritis development. Here, epigenetic factors and mechanisms involved in rheumatoid arthritis are reviewed and new, potential therapeutic targets are discussed.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Epigenetics in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors
Tibor T Glant
Katalin Mikecz
Tibor A Rauch
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Medicine / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1741-7015
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-12-35

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