Role of Epigenetics in Organ Fibrosis

A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Genetics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 2592

Special Issue Editor

Heart Research Building (DZHK), Department of Cardiology and Pulmonology, University Medical Center of Goettingen (UMG), Goettingen, Germany
Interests: genetic and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of organ fibrosis; AAV-based gene therapy; DNA methylation; non-coding RNA; CRISPR/Cas-based gene function analysis; single-cell multi-omics; spatial transcriptomics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fibrosis is an intricate pathological process characterized by the gradual replacement of functional tissue with scar tissue, ultimately culminating in organ failure. This condition gives rise to a spectrum of distressing symptoms and, over time, poses a life-threatening risk to affected individuals.

Fibrosis is characterized by the excessive accumulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), resulting in scarring and impaired organ function. Myofibroblasts are widely acknowledged as the principal drivers of ECM deposition and tissue remodeling. These specialized cells can originate from a range of sources, including resident fibroblasts, pericytes, endothelial cells, and more, in response to various internal and external stimuli. The transformation of these cells is largely influenced by epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of these epigenetic mechanisms is essential for developing innovative therapeutic strategies with which to combat organ fibrosis.

This Special Issue aims to encompass a wide spectrum of topics related to epigenetics in organ fibrosis. We invite submissions of manuscripts that delve into various aspects, including the intricate cellular crosstalk between different cell types contributing to fibrosis, the impact of fibrosis on organ function, and the application of epigenetic interventions using animal models. We welcome both comprehensive review articles and original research contributions.

Dr. Xingbo Xu
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • chronic heart disease
  • cardiac fibrosis
  • heart failure
  • fibroblast
  • cardiomyocyte
  • DNA methylation
  • histone modification
  • non-coding RNA
  • gene therapy

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

24 pages, 794 KiB  
Review
Epigenetic Regulation of Fibroblasts and Crosstalk between Cardiomyocytes and Non-Myocyte Cells in Cardiac Fibrosis
by Liangyu Chu, Daihan Xie and Dachun Xu
Biomolecules 2023, 13(9), 1382; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13091382 - 12 Sep 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2068
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms and cell crosstalk have been shown to play important roles in the initiation and progression of cardiac fibrosis. This review article aims to provide a thorough overview of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in fibroblast regulation. During fibrosis, fibroblast epigenetic regulation encompasses [...] Read more.
Epigenetic mechanisms and cell crosstalk have been shown to play important roles in the initiation and progression of cardiac fibrosis. This review article aims to provide a thorough overview of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in fibroblast regulation. During fibrosis, fibroblast epigenetic regulation encompasses a multitude of mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone acetylation and methylation, and chromatin remodeling. These mechanisms regulate the phenotype of fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix composition by modulating gene expression, thereby orchestrating the progression of cardiac fibrosis. Moreover, cardiac fibrosis disrupts normal cardiac function by imposing myocardial mechanical stress and compromising cardiac electrical conduction. This review article also delves into the intricate crosstalk between cardiomyocytes and non-cardiomyocytes in the heart. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms governing epigenetic regulation and cell crosstalk in cardiac fibrosis is critical for the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Further research is warranted to unravel the precise molecular mechanisms underpinning these processes and to identify potential therapeutic targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Epigenetics in Organ Fibrosis)
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