The fate is not always written in the genes: Epigenomics in epidemiologic studies

摘要: Cost-effective, high-throughput epigenomic technologies have begun to emerge, rapidly replacing the candidate gene approach molecular epidemiology and offering a comprehensive strategy for study of epigenetics in human subjects. Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) provide new opportunities advancing our understanding epigenetic changes associated with complex disease states. However, such analyses are complicated by dynamic nature DNA methylation. In contrast genomic studies, where genotype is essentially constant across somatic cells, EWAS present set challenges, largely due differential methylation distinct cell types, particularly involving heterogeneous tissue sources, profile that occur over time. This review describes potential applications from viewpoint epidemiologist, along special considerations pitfalls involved design studies.