Torabian et al., 2018. Journal of Genes & Cells, 4(2): p, 67-75 doi:10.15562/gnc.65 * Correspondence: kghafar46@gmail.com* ____________________ www.genesandcells.com/journal Licensed as CC-BY Genetics and Epigenetics of Celiac disease: Heads or Tails? Pedram Torabian 1 , Mohamad Dehestani 2 , Azra Izanloo 1 , Narges Jafarzadeh 1 , Azita Ganji 3 , Kamran Ghaffarzadegan 1 * 1- Razavi Cancer Research Center, Razavi Hospital, Imam Reza International University, Mashhad, Iran 2- Medical Genetics Research Center (MGRC), School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran 3- Department of Internal Medicine, Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran 4- *Corresponding author: Kamran Ghaffarzadegan, Razavi Cancer Research Center, Razavi Hospital, Imam Reza International University, Mashhad, Iran Celiac disease (CD) is regarded as a chronic small-intestine disorder characterized by mucosal injury. This disorder is caused by the body’s immune system countering to proteins in wheat, barley and rye in genetically susceptible individuals. The main reason of this nutrient malabsorption is triggered by the dietary ingestion of proline and glutamine rich proteins, broadly termed “gluten”. Henceforward, the body is not able to absorb momentous vitamins, minerals and calories. Manifesting a spectrum of digestive symptoms, the affected people are not diagnosed, though. The approximate prevalence is 1% of the population of the United States and Europe (1) and is increasing in incidence possibly as a result of enhancement of diagnostic methods. Diagnosis is based on detection of IgA antibody specific tissue transglutaminase and should be confirmed by biopsy of the mucosa of the small intestine to set up a guaranteed diagnosis (2). ABSTRACT Celiac is a serious gluten sensitive enteropathy which is caused by autoimmune reaction based on genetics and epigenetics factors. About 3 million Americans suffer from this disorder. The symptoms occur when gluten is consumed and thereafter, autoimmune responses manifest. This disorder is first described in a child but it may happen at any age especially after impacts of triggers. Many genetics and epigenetics are involved in this disease including HLA genes DQ and other like CTLA4, IL2, IL21, MYO9B, etc. Considering the epigenetics factors, histon modifications and also miRNAs activities inside the body is verified and the affection is investigated. To unravel new treatments for celiac disease, new approaches for instance next generation sequencing in affected people is desired and look for modern and also alternative treatments are needed. Keywords: Celiac disease, gluten, genetics, epigenetics, next generation sequencing REVIEW