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Genomic Impacts of Biological Exposures
Amalia S Parra1,2,3,4, Christopher A Johnston4
1Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.
Journal of Developmental Biology
|March 27, 2026
Summary
Understanding the exposome is key to tissue homeostasis. Exposure biology advances help identify biomarkers for environmental factors and predict threats, integrating genetic and non-genetic influences for precision medicine.
Area of Science:
- Integrative biology
- Environmental health sciences
- Genomics
Background:
- Tissue development and homeostasis rely on gene expression but are also influenced by external factors.
- The exposome encompasses environmental exposures affecting cellular processes and disease.
- Current understanding of exposome impacts on gene expression and disease is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in exposure biology and identify novel biomarkers.
- To explore the interaction between genetic and non-genetic factors in development and homeostasis.
- To highlight the need for integrated approaches in exposure research for threat prediction.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature in exposure biology.
- Analysis of technological advancements in identifying biomarkers.
- Discussion on integrating exposure data with genetic information.
Main Results:
- Innovations in exposure biology offer new tools for biomarker discovery.
- Understanding the exposome is crucial for deciphering complex disease pathways.
- Interactions between internal (genetic) and external (exposome) factors are critical for health.
Conclusions:
- Advances in exposure biology provide avenues for precision medicine and biological security.
- Novel biomarkers are needed to track exposome changes and their health impacts.
- Integrated exposure research and technology are essential for identifying and predicting biological threats.
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