Epigenetics: The Future Direction in Systemic Sclerosis

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-mediated connective tissue disease of which the aetiology is still unclear. Previous genetic studies including candidate-gene studies and genomewide association studies have identified a number of genetic variations that confer risk to SSc. However, these variants, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms, cannot completely explain the SSc susceptibility and the diversity in the clinical symptoms of SSc patients. The contribution of epigenetic mechanisms as a link between genetics and environmental triggers represents promising field in understanding the pathogenesis of SSc. The aim of this review was to present the current knowledge on epigenetic mechanisms and highlight novel directions in diagnostic and therapeutical approaches.