Abstract

Most rheumatic diseases are complex or multifactorial entities with pathogeneses in which both multiple genetic factors and a high number of environmental elements interact. In general, susceptibility to autoimmunity is associated with multiple risk factors, but the mechanism of environmental component influence is poorly understood. One pathway for the modulation of gene expression by environmental factors is through epigenetic modifications. The study of the epigenetic characteristics of patients opens up a new field for identifying not only useful new biomarkers and therapeutic targets but also the capacity of each individual to respond to a specific treatment. The ultimate aim of epigenomic studies in rheumatic diseases is to understand their pathogenesis and to predict development of the disease. Therefore, recent advances in epigenomics and their utility for the prediction of responses to different therapies by each patient provide new tools for more personalized medicine.