Integrating epigenetic data into molecular casual networks

Excerpt

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have recently identified many risk loci for complex human diseases. However, genetics can explain only a fraction of disease variation. Epigenetics refers to cellular mechanisms that affect gene expression without modifying DNA sequence[1]. Epigenetic mechanisms reflect gene X environment interactions, which contribute to risk for many chronic diseases including obesity [2], hypertension [3], cancers [4], chronic inflammation [5], chronic pain [6], and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [7]. While these studies have provided an initial look into genetic or epigenetic factors affecting disease risk or disease severity, understanding the transcriptional regulation by genetic and epigenetic factors, such as DNA methylation and microRNA, may shed light on understanding the biological processes and molecular mechanisms associated complex human diseases. …