How Genomics and Epigenetics Are Changing Our Understanding of Health

How Genomics and Epigenetics Are Changing Our Understanding of Health
Advances in genome sequencing have revolutionized our understanding of health and disease. With the advent of genomics, we can now sequence a person’s entire genome, and in the process gain insights into their genetic makeup, disease risks and potential therapies. However, genomics alone fails to explain all the puzzle pieces concerning health. That’s where epigenetics comes into play – the study of changes in gene expression that are not caused by alterations in the DNA sequence.

The Human Genome Project was launched back in 2001 which aimed to map the entire human genome. This initiative paved the way for immense progress in the field of genomics including identifying rare genetic disorders, and drug discovery. Genomic data provides a wealth of information that can be effectively used to develop customised treatment plans and preventative measures uniquely suited to an individual’s genetic makeup. For instance, genetic testing can predict certain medical conditions that a person may be more likely to develop, and provide a window for early interventions to prevent or treat the condition.

However, the understanding of the genome alone is not enough to identify all risks of medical conditions. Epigenetic information helps to unravel the complexities that the genome alone fails to explain. The study of epigenetics helps us understand how our environment can affect our genes and explains how two identical twins with the same genetic makeup may have different health outcomes due to lifestyle choices and external influences – such as smoking, diet, and exercise. The environment can impact gene expression, and therefore play a crucial role in the development of inherited genetic conditions.

Empirical evidence also suggests the importance of epigenetics in identifying and treating cancers. Cancers that were once considered to be homogenous entities are now understood to be heterogenous due to the differences in gene expression unique to each tumour. Epigenetics research has made it possible to target and treat cancer at the molecular level. The DNA methylation patterns in cancer cells have been shown to be different from the ones in normal cells leading researchers to believe that it could provide a basis for new therapeutic targets.

In sum, the combination of genomic data and epigenetic information unveils a more detailed understanding of human health and disease. Genome sequencing has made it possible to identify disease risks and develop customized treatment plans, while epigenetics provides vital context leveraging our understanding of environmental and lifestyle factors on human health. As both fields continue to evolve and provide additional insights, medical professionals will increasingly be able to forecast, diagnose and develop targeted treatments for a range of medical conditions.