# epigenomics

> study of the gene expression changes caused by epigenetic processes, rather than DNA change

**Wikidata**: [Q3589153](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3589153)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epigenomics)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/epigenomics

## Summary
Epigenomics is the study of gene expression changes caused by epigenetic processes rather than DNA sequence changes. It examines how chemical modifications to DNA and histone proteins affect gene activity without altering the genetic code itself. This field is a branch of genomics that focuses on the epigenome, the complete set of epigenetic modifications in a cell.

## Key Facts
- Part of genomics and epigenetics
- Instance of branch of biology and omics
- Has 10 Wikipedia language editions including English, Spanish, French, and Chinese
- Freebase ID: /m/047dwtq
- MeSH Descriptor ID: D057890
- Decs ID: 54355
- GitHub topic with references dating to July 25, 2021
- Microsoft Academic ID: 121912465
- Encyclopedia of China (Second Edition) ID: 210088
- JSTOR topic ID: epigenomics
- Encyclopædia Britannica Online ID: topic/epigenomics

## FAQs
### Q: What is the difference between genomics and epigenomics?
A: Genomics studies the complete DNA sequence of organisms, while epigenomics studies chemical modifications to DNA and histones that affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence itself.

### Q: What does epigenomics study?
A: Epigenomics studies the complete set of epigenetic modifications across the entire genome, including DNA methylation patterns and histone modifications that regulate gene expression.

### Q: What are some applications of epigenomics?
A: Epigenomics is used in cancer research, developmental biology, and understanding how environmental factors influence gene expression across generations.

## Why It Matters
Epigenomics matters because it reveals how gene expression is regulated beyond the DNA sequence, providing crucial insights into development, disease, and inheritance. This field has transformed our understanding of how environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and aging affect our genes without changing the underlying genetic code. In medicine, epigenomics has opened new avenues for cancer diagnosis and treatment by identifying epigenetic markers that distinguish healthy cells from diseased ones. It also helps explain phenomena like why identical twins can develop different diseases despite having the same DNA, and how certain traits can be passed down through generations without genetic mutations. The field bridges the gap between nature and nurture, showing how our experiences can literally shape our biology at the molecular level.

## Notable For
- Studies gene expression changes without DNA sequence alterations
- Bridges genomics and epigenetics as an interdisciplinary field
- Provides insights into transgenerational inheritance patterns
- Enables development of epigenetic therapies for diseases
- Reveals how environmental factors influence genetic regulation

## Body
### Classification and Relationships
Epigenomics is classified as both a branch of biology and an omics discipline, making it a specialized field within the broader genomics framework. It is part of the larger epigenetics field and shares methodologies with other omics approaches like transcriptomics and proteomics.

### Technical Scope
The field examines various epigenetic modifications including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling. These modifications can be inherited through cell division and, in some cases, across generations, though they do not involve changes to the DNA sequence itself.

### Research Applications
Epigenomic research has significant applications in understanding developmental biology, cancer progression, and neurological disorders. The field has revealed how environmental factors like diet, stress, and toxins can create lasting changes in gene expression patterns.

### Data and Resources
The field maintains active presence on platforms like GitHub with dedicated topic pages, and is documented across multiple academic databases including Microsoft Academic and JSTOR. The availability of epigenomic data in multiple languages reflects its global research importance.

### Historical Context
While the concept of epigenetics predates modern technology, epigenomics as a formal field emerged with advances in sequencing technologies that allowed researchers to map epigenetic modifications across entire genomes systematically.

## References

1. [epigenomics · GitHub Topics · GitHub](https://github.com/topics/epigenomics)
2. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)