RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Role of DNA methylation in transcription of human endogenous retrovirus in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. JF The Journal of Rheumatology JO J Rheumatol FD The Journal of Rheumatology SP 1678 OP 1682 VO 29 IS 8 A1 Okada, Makiko A1 Ogasawara, Hitoshi A1 Kaneko, Hiroshi A1 Hishikawa, Takashi A1 Sekigawa, Iwao A1 Hashimoto, Hiroshi A1 Maruyama, Naoki A1 Kaneko, Yutaro A1 Yamamoto, Naoki YR 2002 UL http://www.jrheum.org/content/29/8/1678.abstract AB OBJECTIVE: We recently reported that transcription of human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) clone 4-1-like sequences is increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We therefore investigated the role of DNA methylation in the transcription of this HERV. METHODS: The effect of a demethylating agent, 5-aza-deoxycytidine (5-aza C), on the transcription of HERV clone 4-1 in healthy individuals and patients with SLE was examined using reverse transcriptase-PCR and real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS: 5-aza C increased clone 4-1-like messenger RNA in healthy controls, but not in patients with SLE. CONCLUSION: Defects of methylation may contribute to the transcription of HERV in patients with SLE and this may be related to the pathogenesis of SLE.