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Open Access 01-12-2013 | Minireview

Epigenetic mechanisms in migraine: a promising avenue?

Authors: Else Eising, Nicole A Datson, Arn MJM van den Maagdenberg, Michel D Ferrari

Published in: BMC Medicine | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Migraine is a disabling common brain disorder typically characterized by attacks of severe headache and associated with autonomic and neurological symptoms. Its etiology is far from resolved. This review will focus on evidence that epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in disease etiology. Epigenetics comprise both DNA methylation and post-translational modifications of the tails of histone proteins, affecting chromatin structure and gene expression. Besides playing a role in establishing cellular and developmental stage-specific regulation of gene expression, epigenetic processes are also important for programming lasting cellular responses to environmental signals. Epigenetic mechanisms may explain how non-genetic endogenous and exogenous factors such as female sex hormones, stress hormones and inflammation trigger may modulate attack frequency. Developing drugs that specifically target epigenetic mechanisms may open up exciting new avenues for the prophylactic treatment of migraine.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/11/26/prepub

Title: Epigenetic mechanisms in migraine: a promising avenue?
Authors: Else Eising
Nicole A Datson
Arn MJM van den Maagdenberg
Michel D Ferrari
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Medicine / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1741-7015
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-11-26

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