MicroRNAs interfere with DNA methylation in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts

Abstract

Alterations in cellular miRs profiles, in particular the upregulation of miR29, which targets DNMT3A, may limit the efficiency of betaine if it is used as DNA remethylating agent. However, L-methionine also has similar impact on miR29 expression. On the other hand, betaine has multiple other beneficial effects on the activated phenotype of RASF; it is not excluded that the effect of betaine on DNMT3A is, at least in part, indirect. Clinical trials with betaine could be promising.