Epigenetics of asthma

Asthma is caused by both heritable and environmental factors. It has become clear that genetic studies do not adequately explain the heritability and susceptibility to asthma. The study of epigenetics, heritable non-coding changes to DNA may help to explain the heritable component of asthma. Additionally, epigenetic modifications can be influenced by the environment, including pollution and cigarette smoking, which are known asthma risk factors. These environmental trigger-induced epigenetic changes may be involved in skewing the immune system towards a Th2 phenotype following in utero exposure and thereby enhancing the risk of asthma. Alternatively, they may directly or indirectly modulate the immune and inflammatory processes in asthmatics via effects on treatment responsiveness. The study of epigenetics may therefore play an important role in our understanding and possible treatment of asthma and other allergic diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Biochemistry of Asthma.

Research highlights
► Asthma is a major disease of the airways, which has both environmental and heritable components.
► Epigenetics refers to non-coding changes to DNA and/or histones which may explain the heritable component of asthma.
► Epigenetics can be altered by environmental factors such as pollution and smoking.
► This review covers the main mechanisms of epigenetic regulation and how they are altered in asthma.