Journal of autoimmunity
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Journal of autoimmunity · Jan 2019
Epigenome-wide association study of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in systemic lupus erythematosus: Identifying DNA methylation signatures associated with interferon-related genes based on ethnicity and SLEDAI.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by the involvement of multiple organs and the production of antinuclear antibodies. DNA methylation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of lupus. We have performed an epigenome-wide DNA methylation study in lupus and healthy control (non-lupus) subjects to identify epigenetic patterns in lupus characterized ethnicity and SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). ⋯ Our analysis of gene expression data through RT-PCR confirmed these findings. Thus, the results indicate epigenetics susceptibility in lupus, which may be associated with SLEDAI score and ethnicity. In addition, our findings support the importance of the Type 1 interferon pathway in lupus pathogenesis.