Epigenetic mechanisms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Epigenetic modification may affect the expression of multiple inflammatory genes in lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Major epigenetic events include DNA methylation and various post-translational modifications of histones, such as histone methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and sumoylation. Enzymes which regulate these epigenetic modifications can be activated by smoking. Both environmental and genetic factors play significant effect in development of COPD which have been reported by most references; however, little is known about the epigenetic pathways involved in the disease. Understanding the epigenetic mechanisms can help us clarify the pathogenesis of COPD and identify novel targets for developing new therapies for patients with COPD.