DNA methylation as a transcriptional regulator of the immune system

Luisa Morales-Nebreda, Fred S. McLafferty, Benjamin D. Singer*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

98 Scopus citations

Abstract

DNA methylation is a dynamic epigenetic modification with a prominent role in determining mammalian cell development, lineage identity, and transcriptional regulation. Primarily linked to gene silencing, novel technologies have expanded the ability to measure DNA methylation on a genome-wide scale and uncover context-dependent regulatory roles. The immune system is a prototypic model for studying how DNA methylation patterning modulates cell type- and stimulus-specific transcriptional programs. Preservation of host defense and organ homeostasis depends on fine-tuned epigenetic mechanisms controlling myeloid and lymphoid cell differentiation and function, which shape innate and adaptive immune responses. Dysregulation of these processes can lead to human immune system pathology as seen in blood malignancies, infections, and autoimmune diseases. Identification of distinct epigenotypes linked to pathogenesis carries the potential to validate therapeutic targets in disease prevention and management.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-18
Number of pages18
JournalTranslational Research
Volume204
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2019

Funding

BDS is supported by NIH/NIAID grant U19AI135964 , NIH/NHLBI grant K08HL128867 , the Parker B. Francis Research Opportunity Award of the Francis Family Foundation, and the Eleanor Wood-Prince Grants Initiative of the Woman's Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital. BDS is supported by NIH/NIAID grant U19AI135964, NIH/NHLBI grant K08HL128867, the Parker B. Francis Research Opportunity Award of the Francis Family Foundation, and the Eleanor Wood-Prince Grants Initiative of the Woman's Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Physiology (medical)
  • Biochemistry, medical

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