Epimutation analysis reveals involvement of SLIT2/ROBO signaling pathway in painful diabetic neuropathy

Human Genomics 2026 Open access

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Authors: Katarzyna Malgorzata Kwiatkowska, Paolo Garagnani, Francesca Ferraresi, Massimiliano Bonafè, Maria Giulia Bacalini, Claudia Corina Sala, Gastone Castellani, Davide Gentilini, Luciano Calzari, DAN ZIEGLER, Monique M. Gerrits, Catharina Gerritdina Faber
+5 more Rayaz Ahmed Malik, Margherita Marchi, Salvi Erika, Giuseppe Lauria, Chiara Pirazzini
DOI: 10.1186/s40246-025-00905-8
Cited by: 1
References: 61

Abstract

Changes in gene function or expression caused by epigenetic modifications may play a role in painful diabetic neuropathy. Two independent cohorts of patients deeply phenotyped for painful diabetic neuropathy underwent whole genome DNA methylation data analysis. Burden of rare site events at the global, chromosomal and gene level; epigenetic homogeneity for regions enriched in epivariants (epilesions) and functional analysis of the genes with stochastic phenomena was undertaken. This revealed significant involvement of the SLIT/ROBO signaling axis-engaged in peripheral nerve regeneration after injury, among several molecular pathways, making it an attractive therapeutic target in patients with diabetic painful neuropathy.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Pain Mechanisms and Treatments Axon Guidance and Neuronal Signaling Nerve injury and regeneration

Publication details

Journal / source
Human Genomics
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
20
Issue
1
Pages
32–32
Publication date
9 January 2026
Language
EN