Clinical Applications of Epigenomics

Abstract Epigenetic programs are critical to normal cellular development and differentiation programs. These facts are supported by evolving knowledge of epigenetic regulatory controls that go awry in disease states, including cancer, perhaps the most vigorously studied to date. If we consider that the field of epigenomics is at its scientific infancy, then by that analogy, clinical applications are at a neonatal developmental stage. The quest for knowledge of the complete set of epigenetic modifications of the cellular material of normal and diseased tissues of an individual provides the same anticipation for breakthrough diagnostic understanding and new therapeutic opportunities projected for genetic advances when automated, large-capacity genomic technologies first became available. In this chapter, we primarily review investigations of cancer epigenomes, to illustrate the potential clinical applications of epigenomics. Not far behind, however, are evolving discoveries and applications in other fields of medicine. Potential future developments are discussed in this chapter.