Epigenetics in Pediatric Cardiology

Abstract

The genetic basis of congenital heart disease has been known for decades. In addition to the sequence of the genome, the contribution of epigenetics to pediatric cardiology is increasingly recognized. Multiple epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and RNA-based regulation are known mediators of cardiovascular disease. Epigenetics is known to play a role in the pathophysiology of multiple aspects, including but not limited to development of coronary heart disease, aortic valve stenosis, heart failure, cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiac fibrosis. Pediatric cardiologists should be familiar with the basic concepts of epigenetics in order to understand mechanisms of pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutic concepts, and to recognize the role of epigenetics in precision medicine.