Huang Xin, Zhu Jing, Wei Tianqi, Luo Lingling, Li Chengrang, Zhao Ming
Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2025 Apr 9;68(1):39. doi: 10.1007/s12016-025-09048-z.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune depigmenting skin disorder and can affect the mental health of the patients. Current research suggests that the development of vitiligo involves a combination of genetic susceptibility, immune imbalance, and oxidative stress. However, its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Epigenetic modification has gained increasing attention as an emerging way to regulate gene expression at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level. Currently known modes of epigenetic modification include the regulation of non-coding RNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modification. Studies suggest they play important roles in tumors, immune disorders, and inflammatory diseases. In recent years, the value of epigenetics in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of vitiligo has been explored. They showed the potential to serve as biomarkers and play a therapeutic role. In this review, we summarize the epigenetic modification mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, including physiological processes such as immune homeostasis, melanocyte survival, cell adhesion and migration, and metabolism. This will help us fully understand the progress of epigenetic research in vitiligo and lay the foundation for targeted therapeutic-related research.
白癜风是一种自身免疫性色素脱失性皮肤病，会影响患者的心理健康。目前的研究表明，白癜风的发病涉及遗传易感性、免疫失衡和氧化应激等多种因素。然而，其发病机制尚未完全阐明。表观遗传修饰作为一种在转录或转录后水平调节基因表达的新兴方式，越来越受到关注。目前已知的表观遗传修饰模式包括非编码RNA的调控、DNA甲基化和组蛋白修饰。研究表明，它们在肿瘤、免疫紊乱和炎症性疾病中发挥重要作用。近年来，表观遗传学在白癜风的诊断、治疗和预后方面的价值已得到探索。它们显示出作为生物标志物的潜力并发挥治疗作用。在这篇综述中，我们总结了白癜风发病机制中涉及的表观遗传修饰机制，包括免疫稳态、黑素细胞存活、细胞黏附与迁移以及代谢等生理过程。这将有助于我们全面了解白癜风表观遗传研究的进展，并为靶向治疗相关研究奠定基础。
