Aberrant DNA methylation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, a multifactorial disease of large- and intermediate-sized arteries, is characterized by the accumulation of lipids and the proliferation of arterial smooth muscle cells, chronic inflammatory cells, and fibrous materials. DNA methylation involves inherent and acquired gene transcription changes, which occur independently of the DNA sequence. DNA methylation in the genome plays a major role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. DNA methylation is a distinct and crucial mechanism that regulates genes governing cell proliferation, thereby linking environmental insults with gene regulation. DNA methyltransferases are crucial in maintaining endothelial cell integrity, promoting smooth muscle cell proliferation, and inducing the formation of arteriosclerosis in animal models. These enzymes, which influence DNA methylation in vascular cells, may be utilized to develop new diagnoses and treatments for atherosclerosis-related diseases. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the description and functional interpretation of the DNA methylome of cells and tissues involved in atherosclerosis. We also discuss the regulatory mechanism and the involvement of DNA methylation in the development and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.