Epigenetics in the Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Semin Liver Dis. 2017 May;37(2):159-174. doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1603324. Epub 2017 May 31.

Abstract

Epigenomics, the study of modifications to genetic material that do not alter the underlying DNA sequence, is generating increasing interest as a means to help clarify disease pathogenesis and outcomes. Although genome-wide association studies have identified several potential candidate genes that may be implicated in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), it is estimated that these genes explain less than 20% of the heritability of these diseases. Thus, to date, the origins of “missing heritability” for PBC and PSC remain elusive. The epigenome may provide a potentially elegant solution to this phenomenon, as it can be modified by both internal and external exposures (coined the “exposome”). This may explain differences in disease presentation, treatment response, and rates of progression between individuals. Epigenetic changes may also provide a framework for discovering potential biomarkers for diagnosis and screening of PBC and PSC. Importantly, because the epigenome is modifiable, it may also highlight novel pathways for therapeutic discovery and interventions of these diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cholangitis, Sclerosing / diagnosis
  • Cholangitis, Sclerosing / genetics*
  • Cholangitis, Sclerosing / metabolism
  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly
  • DNA Methylation*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Genetic Markers
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Heredity
  • Histones / genetics
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / diagnosis
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / genetics*
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / metabolism
  • Pedigree
  • Phenotype
  • RNA, Untranslated / genetics
  • RNA, Untranslated / metabolism
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Genetic Markers
  • Histones
  • RNA, Untranslated