EpiATLAS - a reference for human epigenomic research

Area of Science:

• Genomics and Epigenomics
• Molecular Biology
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• The human genome sequence is foundational to understanding health and disease.
• Cell-specific genome interpretation relies on epigenetic processes for organization.
• Epigenetic alterations are increasingly linked to human diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a unified resource of human reference epigenomes.
• To standardize epigenomic data processing and accessibility.
• To explore relationships between regulatory layers and cellular functions/diseases.

Main Methods:

• Uniform processing of over 2000 human epigenomes by the International Human Epigenome Consortium (IHEC).
• Development of standardized molecular and bioinformatics protocols.
• Creation of the Epigenome Reference Registry for data access and sharing.

Main Results:

• The EpiATLAS ecosystem provides a comprehensive map of the human epigenomic landscape.
• Uncovered previously unappreciated relationships among regulatory layers.
• Revealed how epigenetic inputs influence fundamental cellular functions and disease associations.

Conclusions:

• EpiATLAS is an unprecedented resource for biosciences.
• The integrated ecosystem facilitates deeper understanding of epigenomic regulation.
• Provides a foundation for future research into epigenetics and human disease.