Semester of Graduation

Spring 2025

Degree

Master of Natural Sciences (MNS)

Department

Biological Sciences

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The rapid evolution of epigenetics has profoundly reshaped our understanding of gene regulation and its implications for modern medicine. This literature review examines the key function of epigenetics relating to the elucidation of disease mechanisms, the drive towards therapeutic innovation and in the development of personalized medicine. This review specifically addresses heritable modifications of gene expression in particular, DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA activity through which these mechanisms affect health and disease without changing the underlying genetic code. The goals of this review are to review key areas in epigenetic research such as analysis on epigenetics towards understanding complex diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disorder and autoimmune conditions, advancement in epigenetic based diagnosis and therapy and integration of epigenomics with precision medicine. The review also analyses new technologies, including epigenetic editing with CRISPR or small molecule inhibitors, intended to correct aberrant epigenetic modifications. The study finds significant forward progress in the field, with improvements in early disease detection and clinical applications utilizing novel therapies directed at specific epigenetic pathways. However, a few challenges remain, such as the dynamic interplay between epigenetic changes and ethical considerations in epigenome editing. The presence of these trends in epigenetics underscores the dual role of the discipline as a tool for discovery as well as a focus of therapeutic innovation.

Date

4-23-2025

Committee Chair

Hart, Craig M.

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Available for download on Tuesday, March 30, 2032

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