Unveiling the Role of DNA Methylation in Kidney Transplantation: Novel Perspectives toward Biomarker Identification

Biomed Res Int. 2019 Jan 15:2019:1602539. doi: 10.1155/2019/1602539. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

The burden of chronic kidney disease is dramatically rising, making it a major public health concern worldwide. Kidney transplantation is now the best treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. Although kidney transplantation may improve survival and quality of life, its long-term results are hampered by immune- and/or non-immune-mediated complications. Thus, the identification of transplanted patients with a higher risk of posttransplant complications has become a big challenge for public health. However, current biomarkers of posttransplant complications have a poor predictive value, rising the need to explore novel approaches for the management of transplant patient. In this review we summarize the emerging literature about DNA methylation in kidney transplant complications, in order to highlight its perspectives toward biomarker identification. In the forthcoming future the monitoring of DNA methylation in kidney transplant patients could become a plausible strategy toward the prevention and/or treatment of kidney transplant complications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism*
  • DNA Methylation / physiology*
  • Graft Rejection / metabolism
  • Graft Rejection / pathology
  • Graft Survival / physiology
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / metabolism
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / pathology
  • Kidney Transplantation / methods
  • Quality of Life

Substances

  • Biomarkers