Epigenetic Biomarker Discovery
Epigenetic Biomarker Discovery - Related Videos
10:21
An Overview of Epigenetics
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2023
Since the early days of genetics research, scientists have noted certain heritable phenotypic differences that are not due to differences in the nucleotide sequence of DNA. Current evidence suggests that these “epigenetic” phenomena might be controlled by a number of mechanisms, including the modification of DNA cytosine bases with methyl groups, the addition of various chemical groups to histone proteins, and the recruitment of protein factors to specific DNA sites via interactions with...
13:19
Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
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Cited by 16 •
2013
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV), which occupy 8% of the human genome, retain scarce coding capacities but a hundred thousand long terminal repeats (LTRs). A custom Affymetrix microarray was designed to identify individual HERV locus expression and was used on prostate cancer tissues as a proof of concept for future clinical studies.
09:10
Measuring Single-Cell Aging with an Imaging-based Biomarker of Chromatin and Epigenetic Aging
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2026
The protocol presents the imaging and computational workflow to extract and validate imaging-based chromatin and epigenetic age (ImAge).
13:00
Low Molecular Weight Protein Enrichment on Mesoporous Silica Thin Films for Biomarker Discovery
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Cited by 11 •
2012
We developed a technology based on mesoporous silica thin film for the selective recovery of low molecular weight proteins and peptides from human serum. The physico-chemical properties of our mesoporous chips were finely tuned to provide substantial control in peptide enrichment and consequently profile the serum proteome for diagnostic purposes.
01:46
Epigenetic Regulation
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2019
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer. In most mammals, females have two X chromosomes (XX) while males have an X and a Y chromosome (XY). The X chromosome contains significantly more genes than the Y chromosome. Therefore, to prevent an excess of X chromosome-linked gene expression in females, one of the two X chromosomes is randomly silenced during early development.
FAQs
These molecular features provide complementary views of gene regulation. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin accessibility can each reveal regulatory states, but their biological meaning becomes stronger when researchers relate them to gene expression and relevant clinical or genetic traits. Comparing several feature types helps identify patterns associated with a biological state rather than relying on one molecular measurement alone.
An epigenetic pattern becomes more informative when its relationship to gene activity is examined. Researchers can compare regulatory features with gene expression and then assess whether the combined pattern corresponds to clinical or genetic traits. This approach helps connect molecular regulation with phenotype and clarifies how developmental processes or environmental exposures may influence genetically relevant outcomes.
Tissue source, population, and experimental conditions can all affect whether a candidate pattern is reproduced. A marker observed in one tissue or cohort may not show the same relationship elsewhere. For that reason, epigenetic biomarker discovery requires testing across tissues, populations, and controlled experimental settings before researchers interpret a signal as broadly useful.
A typical workflow begins by measuring regulatory features with sequencing or other molecular assays. Researchers then identify patterns in DNA methylation, histone modifications, or chromatin accessibility, relate those patterns to gene expression, and test associations with clinical or genetic traits. Candidate markers must subsequently undergo reproducibility and validation studies before supporting diagnostic, monitoring, or treatment-related decisions.
Sequencing and other molecular assays generate measurements of regulatory features that can be compared across biological samples. Their results allow researchers to search for reproducible molecular patterns and examine relationships with expression, disease-related states, treatment response, prognosis, or risk. The selected assay must produce information suitable for the biological question and later validation under relevant conditions.
In genetics, these biomarkers can help classify disease, connect environmental exposures or developmental processes with phenotype, and identify patterns associated with treatment response or prognosis. Their potential clinical value depends on rigorous validation across tissues, populations, and experimental conditions. Only reproducible candidates should be considered for diagnosis, monitoring, or therapeutic decision-making.