Genome-Wide Epigenetic Studies in Human Disease: A Primer on -Omic Technologies.

ABSTRACT: Epigenetic information encoded in covalent modifications of DNA and histone proteins regulates fundamental biological processes through the action of chromatin regulators, transcription factors, and noncoding RNA species. Epigenetic plasticity enables an organism to respond to developmental and environmental signals without genetic changes. However, aberrant epigenetic control plays a key role in pathogenesis of disease. Normal epigenetic states could be disrupted by detrimental mutations and expression alteration of chromatin regulators or by environmental factors. In this primer, we briefly review the epigenetic basis of human disease and discuss how recent discoveries in this field could be translated into clinical diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. We introduce platforms for mapping

SUBMITTER: Yan H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4706679 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature