Progress in epigenetics research in diabetic vascular diseases / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

ABSTRACT

The concept of epigenetics was first proposed by Waddington in 1942,referring to phenotypic changes that are not related to the underlying DNA sequence,yet alterations in the level and function of gene expression can be heritable,such as DNA methylation,histone modifications,microRNA interference,etc.Phenotype changes while genotype remains unchanged,this controlled mechanism can be kept stable throughout cell division,proliferation,and subsequent process of development.This process thus may cause corresponding changes in the pathophysiology,which are correlated with the occurrence of cancer,immune disorder,cardiovascular disease,metabolic syndrome and so on.Diabetes mellitus is the third heaviest chronic diseases in the world,and does serious harm to human health,especially the diabetic vascular diseases.Even if the blood glucose level is controlled in an ideal state,vascular inflammation still persists,indicating the existence of metabolic memory.Studies have suggested that the pathogenesis can be elucidated at the level of epigenetics.This paper mainly focuses on DNA methylation,histone modifications,and is an overview of epigenetics research progress in diabetic vascular diseases.