New autoimmune-predisposing epigenetic factors found

[MeSci]

Notified on another forum - looks very relevant. Can't access the full text but abstracts and graphics are here:

http://www.cell.com/immunity/abstract/S1074-7613(13)00237-9

and here:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1074761313002379

and an article here:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130628092117.htm

 

[SOC]

Urgh! Anybody up to do a 3 sentence in layspeak?

 

[MeSci]

Sorry - it is pretty dense, isn't it?! They have made new discoveries about the possible mechanisms for changes in the way that genes for specific types of lymphocytes (immune cells) are expressed in people susceptible to autoimmune diseases. Changes in gene expression (epigenetics/the epigenome) most commonly involve the addition of a methyl group (methylation) to genes/DNA, which I think is the basis for the methylation protocols discussed on PR. These changes have been found in ME/CFS.

I hope my brain has enabled me to say this right and that someone will correct me if not! Feel free to ask for further clarification and I will do my best.