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Review
. 2018 Jan 31;5(1):1-8.
doi: 10.1016/j.gendis.2018.01.002. eCollection 2018 Mar.

DNA methylation in human diseases

Zelin Jin  1 , Yun Liu  1
Affiliations
Review

DNA methylation in human diseases

Zelin Jin et al. Genes Dis. .

Abstract

Even though the importance of epigenetics was first recognized in light of its role in tissue development, an increasing amount of evidence has shown that it also plays an important role in the development and progression of many common diseases. We discuss some recent findings on one representative epigenetic modification, DNA methylation, in some common diseases. While many new risk factors have been identified through the population-based epigenetic epidemiologic studies on the role of epigenetics in common diseases, this relatively new field still faces many unique challenges. Here, we describe those promises and unique challenges of epigenetic epidemiological studies and propose some potential solutions.

Keywords: DNA Methylation; EWAS; Epigenetic epidemiologic studies; Epigenetics; Human diseases.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The relationship between genetics, epigenetics and environmental exposures on disease phenotype.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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