Title: Epigenetics: Unraveling the Mysteries Behind Lupus

Presenters: Francisca Escobar, Jessica Sosa, Citrus College

Mentor: Christine Goedhart, Ph.D
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any
part of the body. Women aged 15-44 years, and specifically women of color, are more likely to
contract this disease. Although there is no known cause for SLE, there are currently 55 genes that
have been associated with lupus. Usually, people with a history of lupus in their families have a
higher chance of developing SLE.
Recently, lupus research has begun to explore the role of epigenetics in the onset of lupus and
lupus flares. Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression due to environmental and
psychological factors and involves alterations DNA through the attachment of chemical groups.
Methyl groups, one of those chemical groups, latches onto the DNA and specifically tells a gene
to turn off. Dr. Bruce Richardson, a trailblazer in lupus research, and other recent studies have
connected epigenetic changes involving methyl groups with the onset of lupus and lupus flares.
There are environmental, as well as physical factors that have been shown effect these epigenetic
changes. It is important for women, specifically age 15-20, to be aware of these factors.
Epigenetic changes can be inherited through dormant genes that can then be triggered through
ones environment and lifestyle which may affect gene expression patterns. Treating ones body
with proper care and respect helps the stabilization of lupus symptoms caused by epigenetic
factors. With these new advances in medical science, those affected with SLE or have a family
history of lupus can now learn how to better prevent the onset of lupus symptoms not only for
themselves, but also for future generations.
After thoroughly researching the topic of lupus and how epigenetics can affect the disease, we
decided to take an action through social media. Since women aged 15 to 44 years are more
susceptible to the onset of lupus, we felt like we need to educate and equip women aged 15-20 to
help them prevent the disease. We created an Instagram page for these women to create a
community and learn more about a topic that so closely affects them.
Selected Works Cited:
Mau, Theresa, and Raymond Yung. Potential of Epigenetic Therapies in Non-Cancerous
Conditions. Frontiers in Genetics 5 (2014): 438. PMC. Web. 15 Dec. 2015.
Patel, Dipak R., and Bruce C. Richardson. Epigenetic Mechanisms in Lupus. Current opinion
in rheumatology 22.5 (2010): 10.1097/BOR.0b013e32833ae915. PMC. Web. 15 Dec. 2015.
Richardson, Bruce. Epigenetics in Lupus. Lupus Foundation of America (2014). Web. 15 Dec.
2015.
Richardson, B. Epigenetics and Lupus. Arthritis Research & Therapy (2012): A1. PMC. Web.
15 Dec. 2016.