Epigenetic Regulation of Nasal Polyp Formation

ABSTRACT

Nasal polyposis is a multi-factorial disease associated with chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. Myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation are involved in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis. Epigenetics, DNA methylation, and chromatin modifications are critical for generating cellular diversity and for maintaining distinct gene expression profiles. Based on our recent study that evaluated the inhibitory effect of Trichostatin A on myofibroblast differentiation in nasal polyposis, we hypothesized that HDAC inhibition is associated with myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix accumulation in nasal polyposis and suggested that Trischostatin A may be useful as an inhibitor of nasal polyp growth and thus has potential to be used as a novel treatment option for nasal polyposis. In this review, we present general concept of epigenetics and results of recent research that elucidate the role of epigenetics in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps.