Epigenetics Plays a Role in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Diabetes

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic and progressive metabolic disease that is associated with increased blood glucose levels. Recently, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the pathophysiology of the disease involves changes within the epigenome. Epigenetics studies the role of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA in gene expression regulation. Aberrant epigenetics changes the profile of gene expression and is strongly associated with the pathophysiology of various diseases. In the context of diabetes, hyperglycemia affects the profile of DNA methylation and histone modifications, which can be used as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. The aim of this review is to discuss the latest findings linking epigenetics and diabetes.