The Role of Epigenetics in Neuroinflammatory-Driven Diseases

Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Dec 2;23(23):15218. doi: 10.3390/ijms232315218.

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the progressive loss of central and/or peripheral nervous system neurons. Within this context, neuroinflammation comes up as one of the main factors linked to neurodegeneration progression. In fact, neuroinflammation has been recognized as an outstanding factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Interestingly, neuroinflammatory diseases are characterized by dramatic changes in the epigenetic profile, which might provide novel prognostic and therapeutic factors towards neuroinflammatory treatment. Deep changes in DNA and histone methylation, along with histone acetylation and altered non-coding RNA expression, have been reported at the onset of inflammatory diseases. The aim of this work is to review the current knowledge on this field.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Parkinson’s disease; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; chronic neuroinflammation; epigenetics; multiple sclerosis; neurodegeneration.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Epigenomics
  • Histones* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases* / genetics
  • Neuroinflammatory Diseases

Substances

  • Histones