Exposure assessment in early life: it is about time for multi-omics approaches

Excerpt

Multi-omics data, such as epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, are increasingly used to detect molecular responses to environmental exposures [1]. The integration of several omics layers can inform changes occurring in the structure, function, and dynamics of the body on a cellular level [2]. The correct identification of the effects of environmental exposures on the body is crucial in understanding disease development and progression [3]. Early life, i.e., pregnancy and childhood, is regarded as the most crucial periods of the developmental stages [4]. Environmental exposures in early life can have far reaching influences on the wellbeing and health of the individual [4]. Hence, the identification of these exposures and effects on the organism becomes critical. …