Dysregulated epigenetic modifications in psoriasis

Abstract

The observed incidence of psoriasis has been gradually increasing over time (J Am Acad Dermatol, 03, 2009, 394), but the underlying pathogenic factors have remained unclear. Recent studies suggest the importance of epigenetic modification in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Aberrant epigenetic patterns including changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNA expression are observed in psoriatic skin. Reversing these epigenetic mechanisms has showed improvement in psoriatic phenotypes, making epigenetic therapy a potential avenue for psoriasis treatment. Here, we summarize relevant evidence for epigenetic dysregulation contributing to psoriasis susceptibility and pathogenesis, and the factors responsible for epigenetic modifications, providing directions for potential future clinical avenues.

Recent progress at the psoriasis and atopic dermatitis research front: An experimental dermatology perspective

“…Psoriatic skin is associated with aberrant epigenetic patterns, including alterations in histone modification, DNA methylation and non‐coding RNA expression 5 . Targeting these epigenetic mechanisms has been demonstrated effective to alleviate psoriatic phenotypes, suggesting that epigenetic therapy is a potential therapeutic direction for future clinical avenues.…”

“…Psoriasis (PSO), an autoinflammatory skin disease, is affecting 2 ~ 3% of the world's population. Beyond the skin lesions, psoriasis is also associated with several comorbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, depression, metabolic syndromes and obesity, therefore severely impacting the quality of patients' life 1‐5 . On the other hand, atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic allergic skin inflammatory disease, is affecting 1 ~ 3% of adult and 10 ~ 20% of children.…”

Skin epigenetics

“…Johann Gudjonsson and co-workers highlight how dysregulated epigenetic modifications involving DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs are associated with psoriasis. 54 A number of environmental factors, including the microbiota, diet, smoking and stress affect psoriasis and those may act through epigenetic mechanisms. Jean McGee and colleagues review epigenetic-modifying therapies in inflammatory skin diseases.…”

“…Preclinical studies on histone deacetylase (HDAC) and bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) inhibitors show promise for the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The data summarized in these three reviews [53][54][55] clearly demonstrate that metabolism [56][57][58][59] and its connection to epigenetics is an exciting emerging research area in inflammatory skin diseases.…”

In search of the needle in a haystack: Finding a suitable serum biomarker for monitoring disease activity of systemic sclerosis

“…In contrast to psoriasis, 1‐25 atopic dermatitis 26‐47 and pruritus 21,35,48‐70 whose therapeutic landscapes have dramatically changed over the last few years due to many advances in skin research, scleroderma remains a challenge in many aspects.…”