DNA methylation, smooth muscle cells, and atherogenesis

Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2003 Oct 1;23(10):1750-3. doi: 10.1161/01.ATV.0000092871.30563.41. Epub 2003 Aug 28.

Abstract

DNA methylation is a form of epigenetic modification of the genome that can regulate gene expression. Hypermethylation of CpG islands in the promoter areas leads to decreased gene expression, whereas promoters of actively transcribed genes remain nonmethylated. Because of cellular proliferation and monoclonality of at least some of the lesion cells, atherosclerotic lesions have been compared with benign vascular tumors.1,2 However, although genetic and epigenetic background favors neoplastic transformation, atherosclerotic plaques never develop to malignant tumors. Among cancer cells, common features are genome-wide hypomethylation, which correlates with transformation and tumor progression. Recent studies have shown that DNA methylation changes occur also during atherogenesis and may contribute to the lesion development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arteriosclerosis / genetics
  • Arteriosclerosis / metabolism*
  • Cell Division / genetics
  • DNA Methylation*
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / cytology
  • Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic