FOXP3 DNA methylation levels as a potential biomarker in the development of periapical lesions.

Introduction: Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, can modify gene expression patterns without changing the DNA sequence, comprising a tool that cells use to lock genes in the "off" position. Variations in the methylation profile have been correlated to a variety of human diseases. Here, we hypothesize that DNA methylation in immune response-related genes may contribute to the development of periapical lesions.