Epigenetics and Epigenomics Analysis for Autoimmune Diseases

Abstract Autoimmune diseases result from a rampant immune response against body's own cells. Despite the genetic correlation and protein dysfunction sharing the etiology of autoimmune diseases, a major role of environmental factors contributing to pathogenesis and progression of these diseases has been frequently insisted. Thus, epigenetic modifications have been discretely studied to recognize epigenetic signatures that can be used as potential druggable targets for a prolonged remission or a complete disease cure. A number of state-of-the-art techniques are available to identify these epigenetic landmarks; however, we need to carefully identify the correct and appropriate computational tools to manage and effectively analyze this high-throughput data. The present chapter details the epigenetic modifications pertaining to autoimmmune diseases with special emphasis on some, as well as on the techniques and tools frequently used for the analyses.