Prospects for Epigenetic Epidemiology

• Published in: American journal of epidemiology Vol. 169; no. 4; pp. 389 - 400
• Main Authors: Foley, Debra L., Craig, Jeffrey M., Morley, Ruth, Olsson, Craig J., Dwyer, Terence, Smith, Katherine, Saffery, Richard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cary, NC Oxford University Press 15-02-2009; Oxford Publishing Limited (England)
• Subjects: Aging; Aging - genetics; Analysis. Health state; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Developmental biology; DNA methylation; DNA Methylation - genetics; Environment; Environmental Exposure - adverse effects; Epidemiology; epigenesis; Epigenesis, Genetic - genetics; folic acid; Gene Expression; General aspects; genetic; Humans; Medical research; Medical sciences; Metabolic diseases; Miscellaneous; Molecular Epidemiology; Neoplasms - genetics; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Review; Risk Factors; DNA methylation; environment; epigenesis, genetic; folic acid; Human; Nutrition; Vitamin; genetic; folic acid; Epidemiology; Folic acid; DNA; Epigenetics; Environment; Genetics; Methylation; DNA methylation; environment; epigenesis; Public health
• ISSN: 0002-9262; 1476-6256
• DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwn380

Epigenetic modification can mediate environmental influences on gene expression and can modulate the disease risk associated with genetic variation. Epigenetic analysis therefore holds substantial promise for identifying mechanisms through which genetic and environmental factors jointly contribute to disease risk. The spatial and temporal variance in epigenetic profile is of particular relevance for developmental epidemiology and the study of aging, including the variable age at onset for many common diseases. This review serves as a general introduction to the topic by describing epigenetic mechanisms, with a focus on DNA methylation; genetic and environmental factors that influence DNA methylation; epigenetic influences on development, aging, and disease; and current methodology for measuring epigenetic profile. Methodological considerations for epidemiologic studies that seek to include epigenetic analysis are also discussed.