Epigenetics in Cardiac Fibrosis

Emphasis on Inflammation and Fibroblast Activation

Central Roles for Epigenetic Regulators in Mediating the Fibroblast Activation and Inflammation That Culminates in Cardiac Fibrosis

In response to pathological stresses such as myocardial infarction (MI) or pressure overload, epigenetic machinery is activated to promote cardiac inflammation and cardiac fibroblast proliferation, leading to cardiac fibrosis. Complex interplay between histone deacetylase (HDAC), histone acetyltransferase (HAT), lysine methyltransferase (KMT), lysine demethylase (KDM), DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), and ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes governs acetylation (Ac) of histones and methylation (Me) of histones and DNA that make up nucleosomes.