Epigenetic mechanisms in inflammation

Epigenetic modifications occur in response to environmental changes and play a fundamental role in gene expression following environmental stimuli. major epigenetic events include methylation and acetylation of histones and regulatory factors,dna methylation,and small non-coding rnas. diet,pollution,infections,and other environmental factors have profound effects on epigenetic modifications and trigger susceptibility to diseases. despite a growing body of literature addressing the role of the environment on gene expression,very little is known about the epigenetic pathways involved in the modulation of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes. this review summarizes the current knowledge about epigenetic control mechanisms during the inflammatory response. © 2011 international & american associations for dental research.