Epigenetic mechanisms are reversible changes that regulate gene expression through chemical modifications that change the behavior of nucleic acids. These modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA-interference by non-coding RNA, play powerful roles in controlling the expression and silencing of genes dependent on external factors – largely associated with environmental factors and related behaviors of the individual, such as lifestyle choices, diet, physical activity, pollution, etc. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as epigenetic modulators, influencing protein translation of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) without modifying the gene sequence. Furthermore, miRNA regulation can occur via epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic mechanisms and miRNAs play important roles in almost all human processes, and dysregulated epigenetic processes are frequently associated with diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, epigenetic therapy has gained considerable attention in recent years.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a non-communicable disease characterized by chronic elevated blood glucose levels, due to impaired insulin secretion and/or action. DM increases the risk of developing other life-threatening illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), renal disease, and vascular disorders. Recent research has focused on novel biomarkers, such as miRNAs, to predict DM and CVD development and serve as targets for potential therapeutic options. Further research into this topic is imperative to circumvent the development and progression of DM and CVDs, improve treatment options, and curb the rapidly increasing incidence of DM and CVDs worldwide.
The aim of this Research Topic is to collate current, promising, or novel research trends and results in the field of epigenetics and diabetes mellitus. Manuscripts to be covered in this Research Topic may include original research articles, reviews, and commentaries. Areas to be covered in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:
- Epigenetic modifications in diabetes
- Epigenetic modifications in cardiovascular disease
- Novel biomarkers to predict diabetes or cardiovascular disease development
- Epigenetic therapy in diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
- Advances in the landscape of epigenetics with regards to diabetes and associated diseases
Epigenetic mechanisms are reversible changes that regulate gene expression through chemical modifications that change the behavior of nucleic acids. These modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA-interference by non-coding RNA, play powerful roles in controlling the expression and silencing of genes dependent on external factors – largely associated with environmental factors and related behaviors of the individual, such as lifestyle choices, diet, physical activity, pollution, etc. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as epigenetic modulators, influencing protein translation of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) without modifying the gene sequence. Furthermore, miRNA regulation can occur via epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic mechanisms and miRNAs play important roles in almost all human processes, and dysregulated epigenetic processes are frequently associated with diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, epigenetic therapy has gained considerable attention in recent years.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a non-communicable disease characterized by chronic elevated blood glucose levels, due to impaired insulin secretion and/or action. DM increases the risk of developing other life-threatening illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), renal disease, and vascular disorders. Recent research has focused on novel biomarkers, such as miRNAs, to predict DM and CVD development and serve as targets for potential therapeutic options. Further research into this topic is imperative to circumvent the development and progression of DM and CVDs, improve treatment options, and curb the rapidly increasing incidence of DM and CVDs worldwide.
The aim of this Research Topic is to collate current, promising, or novel research trends and results in the field of epigenetics and diabetes mellitus. Manuscripts to be covered in this Research Topic may include original research articles, reviews, and commentaries. Areas to be covered in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:
- Epigenetic modifications in diabetes
- Epigenetic modifications in cardiovascular disease
- Novel biomarkers to predict diabetes or cardiovascular disease development
- Epigenetic therapy in diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
- Advances in the landscape of epigenetics with regards to diabetes and associated diseases