Proper gene control across space and time is crucial for the seamless execution of various cellular functions. Rapid advancements in genome-wide studies revealed that in addition to genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications also play an important role in cellular processes and disease development. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and post-translational modifications on histones via methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, etc., do not alter DNA sequences. Yet, disruptions of the epigenome can still induce gene malfunction, aberrant cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, resulting in various diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, and autoimmune diseases. This review describes the association between epigenetic modifications and disease phenotypes, current techniques to perturb the epigenome and analyze changes in gene expression, and perspectives on future epigenetic research.
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