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Review
. 2014 Jun;4(2):169-74.
doi: 10.1086/675979.

Epigenetic modifications: basic mechanisms and role in cardiovascular disease (2013 Grover Conference series)

Joseph Loscalzo  1 , Diane E Handy  1
Affiliations
Review

Epigenetic modifications: basic mechanisms and role in cardiovascular disease (2013 Grover Conference series)

Joseph Loscalzo et al. Pulm Circ. 2014 Jun.

Abstract

Epigenetics refers to heritable traits that are not a consequence of DNA sequence. Three classes of epigenetic regulation exist: DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNA action. In the cardiovascular system, epigenetic regulation affects development, differentiation, and disease propensity or expression. Defining the determinants of epigenetic regulation offers opportunities for novel strategies for disease prevention and treatment.

Keywords: atherosclerosis; histone; homocysteine; methylation; noncoding RNAs; pulmonary hypertension.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Chromatin structure and epigenetic tags. Nucleosomes are indicated as spheres, with sites of methylation and acetylation on DNA and histone proteins listed in the key (reprinted with permission from reference 1).
Figure 2
Figure 2
RNA methylation products. Common methylated bases found in mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Methylation determinants and homocysteine metabolism. AdoMet: S-adenosylmethionine; AdoHcy: S-adenosylhomocysteine (reprinted with permission from reference 1).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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