Epigenetic Biomarkers
Our epigenome is characterized by its ability to dynamically respond to intra- and extracellular stimuli. These epigenetic changes are reversible and consequently are potential contributors to health and disease. Epigenetic biomarkers are emerging as tools for the screening and early detection of various diseases, for prognostic and treatment monitoring, and for predicting future risk of disease development. In clinical practice, this will contribute to the development of in vitro diagnostic and prognostic tools, which in turn may also lead to advances in personalized medicine. In this chapter we propose a definition for epigenetic biomarkers and describe different technologies used for the…
Epigenetic biomarkers: Current strategies and future challenges for their use in the clinical laboratory
Epigenetic modifications and regulators represent potential molecular elements which control relevant physiological and pathological features, thereby contributing to the natural history of human disease. These epigenetic modulators can be employed as disease biomarkers, since they show several advantages and provide information about gene function, thus explaining differences among patient endophenotypes. In addition, epigenetic biomarkers can incorporate information regarding the effects of the environment and lifestyle on health and disease, and monitor the effect of applied therapies. Technologies used to analyze these epigenetic biomarkers are constantly improving, becoming much easier…