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Updated: May 9, 2026
06:38
Pattern-based Search of Epigenomic Data Using GeNemo
Published on: October 8, 2017
Environmental epigenetics: from novelty to scientific discipline
Heather H Burris1, Andrea A Baccarelli
1Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Journal of Applied Toxicology : JAT
|July 10, 2013
Summary
Environmental epigenetics research is growing but still small. Future success requires focusing on tissue specificity, interventions, collaboration, and broader mechanisms beyond DNA methylation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental epigenetics
- Molecular biology
- Public health
Background:
- Epigenetic phenomena have seen a surge in research over the last two decades.
- Environmental epigenetics is a smaller, yet growing, subfield compared to areas like cancer epigenetics.
- Significant investment from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences underscores the potential of this field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the current landscape of environmental epigenetics research.
- To articulate a forward-looking strategy for the advancement of the field.
- To highlight the potential for improved health outcomes through epigenetic interventions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current epigenetic publications and funding allocations.
- Analysis of the scope and focus of existing environmental epigenetics studies.
- Identification of key areas for future research and development.
Main Results:
- Environmental epigenetic studies constitute less than 5% of all epigenetic publications.
- Despite low publication numbers, substantial funding is directed towards environmental epigenetics research.
- The field holds promise for understanding gene-environment interactions and health.
Conclusions:
- Advancing environmental epigenetics necessitates attention to tissue specificity and focused interventional studies.
- Collaboration among research cohorts and integration of environmental exposures into large-scale epigenomic studies are crucial.
- A comprehensive understanding of epigenetic mechanisms beyond DNA methylation and histone modifications is vital for realizing the field's potential to benefit future generations.
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