Research advancements in DNA methylation pertaining to ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a persistent autoimmune disorder marked by inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints, along with atypical bone development. In recent years, DNA methylation, a significant epigenetic modification, has become a pivotal element affecting AS pathogenesis, disease progression, and clinical diagnosis. This review summarizes what we know so far about abnormal DNA methylation patterns in AS-related genes like DKK1, ERAP1, PDCD1, FOXO1/3a, LGR6, and IRF5, as well as how these patterns affect gene expression. It examines the interaction between DNA methylation and essential pathological processes such as inflammatory responses, immune regulation, and bone metabolism. Additionally, the prospective utilization of DNA methylation as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of AS is analyzed. Finally, we talk about new ways to treat AS that focus on DNA methylation mechanisms. This review seeks to amalgamate recent methylome and transcriptome studies to establish a comprehensive theoretical framework and delineate future research directions aimed at elucidating epigenetic mechanisms in AS and promoting clinical translation.