Epigenetics, the missing link in hypertension

Abstract

Epigenetics refers to functional alterations in gene expression or phenotype without any change of the underlying DNA sequence. It is the study of the potential of a cell or organism to express different traits through functional regulation of its gene transcription. Though it is met as a necessary process in biology, epigenetics may often play a crucial part in the development of specific pathologic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.

Keywords: DNA methylation; Epigenetics; Histone modification; Hypertension; nc-RNAs.