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Review
. 2020 Jan 13;11(1):89.
doi: 10.3390/genes11010089.

Pathogenesis of Ischemic Stroke: Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms

Rosita Stanzione  1 , Maria Cotugno  1 , Franca Bianchi  1 , Simona Marchitti  1 , Maurizio Forte  1 , Massimo Volpe  1   2 , Speranza Rubattu  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Pathogenesis of Ischemic Stroke: Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms

Rosita Stanzione et al. Genes (Basel). .

Abstract

Epigenetics is the branch of molecular biology that studies modifications able to change gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Epigenetic modulations include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs. These gene modifications are heritable and modifiable and can be triggered by lifestyle and nutritional factors. In recent years, epigenetic changes have been associated with the pathogenesis of several diseases such as diabetes, obesity, renal pathology, and different types of cancer. They have also been related with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases including ischemic stroke. Importantly, since epigenetic modifications are reversible processes they could assist with the development of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of human diseases. In the present review article, we aim to collect the most recent evidence concerning the impact of epigenetic modifications on the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke in both animal models and humans.

Keywords: DNA methylation; epigenetic; histone modification; ischemic stroke; lncRNA; miRNA.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic representation of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke (IS). DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA-based mechanisms can contribute either indirectly or directly to the development of the brain ischemic damage. In fact, both genes involved in the conditions predisposing to IS and genes directly involved in stroke pathogenesis are modulated by these mechanisms. The figure was made in part using tools provided by Servier Medical Arts.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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