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

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.