Epigenetics, the missing link in hypertension

Epigenetics refers to functional alterations in gene expression or phenotype without any change of the underlying DNA sequence. It is the study of the potential of a cell or organism to express different traits through functional regulation of its gene transcription. Though it is met as a necessary process in biology, epigenetics may often play a crucial part in the development of specific pathologic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.

HYPOmeth: hypo-methylation, HYPERmeth: hyper-methylation, SERPIN-A3: serine protease inhibitor A3, HSD11B2: hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-11β2, RAS: renin–angiotensin–aldosterone, NKCC1: Na+-K−-2Cl cotransporter 1, PE: preeclampsia, nc-RNA: non-coding RNA, si-RNA: small interfering RNA, mi-RNA: micro RNA, DoT1: disruptor of telomeric silencing-1, ACE: angiotensin converting enzyme, CHD2: chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 2, H3, H4: histone 3, histone 4, NCC: Na+-Cl− cotransporter, ENaC: epithelial Na+ channel, H3K79: lysine 79 residue in H3.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (170 K)Download as PowerPoint slide