Minor Changes for a Major Impact: A Review of Epigenetic Modifications in Cell-Based Therapies for Stroke

Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Oct 28;23(21):13106. doi: 10.3390/ijms232113106.

Abstract

Epigenetic changes in stroke may revolutionize cell-based therapies aimed at reducing ischemic stroke risk and damage. Epigenetic changes are a novel therapeutic target due to their specificity and potential for reversal. Possible targets for epigenetic modification include DNA methylation and demethylation, post-translational histone modification, and the actions of non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs. Many of these epigenetic modifications have been reported to modulate atherosclerosis development and progression, ultimately contributing to stroke pathogenesis. Furthermore, epigenetics may play a major role in inflammatory responses following stroke. Stem cells for stroke have demonstrated safety in clinical trials for stroke and show therapeutic benefit in pre-clinical studies. The efficacy of these cell-based interventions may be amplified with adjunctive epigenetic modifications. This review advances the role of epigenetics in atherosclerosis and inflammation in the context of stroke, followed by a discussion on current stem cell studies modulating epigenetics to ameliorate stroke damage.

Keywords: atherosclerosis; epigenetics; neuroinflammation; stem cells; stroke.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atherosclerosis*
  • DNA Methylation
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Epigenomics
  • Humans
  • Stroke* / genetics
  • Stroke* / therapy

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.