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Hereditas(Beijing) ›› 2018, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (2): 104-115.doi: 10.16288/j.yczz.17-220

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research progress of epigenetic biomarkers in the early diagnosis and treatment of human diseases

Wei li1(),Jun Qin1(),Hui Wang2,3,Liaobin Chen1,3   

  1. 1. Department of Orthopedics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
    2. Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
    3. Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
  • Received:2017-10-16 Revised:2018-01-03 Online:2018-02-20 Published:2018-01-22
  • Supported by:
    the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81220108026,81401832)

Abstract:

Abnormal epigenetic modifications are common in many diseases (such as tumors, senile and developmental diseases), and can influence the pathogenesis and progression of these diseases. Various studies demonstrated that abnormal epigenetic changes could be used as biomarkers for diagnosis of the disease status and prognosis of disease progression. The reversibility and controllability of epigenetic modifications also offer an opportunity to develop new strategies for the early prevention and treatment of diseases. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the latest discoveries in three areas of epigenetic research, i.e., DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs, and their potential applications in early diagnosis and treatment of tumors, senile and developmental diseases. We hope to provide some insights and references in developing strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.

Key words: epigenetic modification, epigenetic biomarkers, tumors, senile diseases, developmental diseases