The Pharmacogenomics and Neurovascular Genetics Group at the Sant Pau Research Institute (IR Sant Pau) has been invited to contribute to a special issue of the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism, dedicated to the latest advances in stroke research. Researchers from IR Sant Pau have provided an in-depth review of the impact of epigenetics on stroke risk and outcomes, with a particular focus on the role of DNA methylation.
The article, authored by Dr. Cristina Gàllego-Fàbrega, Dr. Natalia Cullell, and Dr. Israel Fernández-Cadenas, compiles and analyzes the available evidence on how epigenetic patterns can influence stroke susceptibility and prognosis, as well as the potential application of epigenetic drugs in treating the disease.
The review highlights that DNA methylation appears to be a relevant mechanism in stroke. Several studies have identified specific methylation patterns associated with a higher risk of experiencing a cerebrovascular event, as well as with poorer recovery after stroke. These findings pave the way for the development of new personalized treatments based on epigenetic modulation, with the potential to improve both stroke prevention and recovery.
Among the main conclusions of the paper is the observation that stroke patients present a biological age higher than expected for their chronological age. This suggests that epigenetics could serve as a key marker for identifying individuals at greater risk of stroke. Additionally, certain epigenetic patterns appear to influence patients’ responses to current treatments, underscoring the importance of integrating this research into precision medicine.
Dr. Israel Fernández-Cadenas, head of the Pharmacogenomics and Neurovascular Genetics Group, emphasized the significance of the invitation. “Being part of this special issue of the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism is a recognition of the work carried out over the past 10 years by Drs. Cristina Gàllego and Natalia Cullell on epigenetic regulation and stroke. Understanding epigenetic mechanisms brings us closer to more precise, personalized treatments, which could make a significant difference in stroke prevention and recovery. Our goal is to continue advancing in this field and bring these insights into clinical practice.”
The invitation to contribute to this special issue acknowledges IR Sant Pau’s leadership in the field of stroke genetics and epigenetics. Researchers at the institute continue working to improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease and to advance the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Gallego-Fabrega C, Cullell N, Fernández-Cadenas I. How epigenetics impacts stroke risk and outcomes through DNA methylation: A systematic review. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2025:271678X251322032. https://doi.org/10.1177/0271678X251322032
