Understanding the Interplay Between Health Disparities and Epigenomics

Abstract

Social epigenomics has emerged as an integrative field of research focused on identification of socio-environmental factors, their influence on human biology through epigenomic modifications, and how they contribute to current health disparities. Several health disparities studies have been published using genetic-based approaches; however, increasing accessibility and affordability of molecular technologies have allowed for an in-depth investigation of the influence of external factors on epigenetic modifications (e.g., DNA methylation, micro-RNA expression). Currently, research is focused on epigenetic changes in response to environment, as well as targeted epigenetic therapies and environmental/social strategies for potentially minimizing certain health disparities. Here, we will review recent findings in this field pertaining to conditions and diseases over life span encompassing prenatal to adult stages.

Keywords: cancer; chronic disease; epigenetics; health disparities; social determinants of health.

FIGURE 1

Schematic detailing the influence of socio-environmental factors on health and risk for disease. (1) Race/ethnicity is often associated with an individual’s social determinants of health including local neighborhood, social environment, education levels, socioeconomic status, and access to health care. (2) The social determinants of health can influence the risk for disease throughout the lifetime, regardless of genetics; however, (3) they can also influence epigenetic modifications such as those to histones, DNA, or micro-RNA (miRNA), thereby influencing biological functions that have downstream effects on health and disease susceptibility throughout the life span. Conditions and/or diseases within the colored boxes indicate socio-epigenomic links at different stages throughout the human life span: early-life, mid-life, and late-life; conditions detailed here are not exhaustive. FASD, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.