Genetic and epigenetic basis of psoriasis pathogenesis

• Genetic variations alone cannot explain the psoriasis pathogenesis.
• There are conflicting reports of genetic associations in psoriasis.
• Epigenetic factors are also reported to be involved in psoriasis pathogenesis.
• An integrated approach probably can help to explain pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease whose prevalence varies among different populations worldwide. It is a complex multi-factorial disease and the exact etiology is largely unknown. Family based studies have indicated a genetic predisposition; however they cannot fully explain the disease pathogenesis. In addition to genetic susceptibility, environmental as well as gender and age related factors were also been found to be associated. Recently, imbalances in epigenetic networks are indicated to be causative elements in psoriasis. The present knowledge of epigenetic involvement, mainly the DNA methylation, chromatin modifications and miRNA deregulation is surveyed here. An integrated approach considering genetic and epigenetic anomalies in the light of immunological network may explore the pathogenesis of psoriasis.