Rising above the code
A powerful code sits above or epi- to the genome. This "EPIGENOME" governs the cellular interpretation and expression of all genetic information.
HOMING in on THE SOURCE
The EPIGENOME controls access to, and the relay of, genetic information. EPIGENOME ENGINEERING, therefore, means controlling THE SOURCE of genetic communication. It literally involves finding and manipulating the molecular presentation of highly specific DNA sequences in living cells.
UNLOCKING THE GENOME
Whereas the DNA sequence or GENOME is identical among all cells of an organism, the EPIGENOME is unique to each cell type, age, and disease state. Researcher defined "EPIGENETIC ENGINEERING" opens endless possibilties in controlling gene and genome expression, guiding cell fate, and correcting epigenomic dysfunction.
A NATURAL EXPANSION OF THE GENOME EDITING REVOLUTION
the EPIGENOME ENGINEERING revolution marks
the beginning of user-defined genome regulation. Building on the gene editing revolution, virtually ANY GENE, ANY LOCI, can be EPIGENETICALLY TAILORED. Representing a powerful EPIGENETIC TOOL KIT for fundamental research, the future will be filled with genuine EPIGENETIC THERAPIES.
By far, most DISEASE is EPIGENETIC
We've known for decades about epigenomic dysregulation in virtually all major human pathologies including: cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and an array of developmental disorders. Numerous epigenetic disease "BIOMARKERS" have been discovered, but more recently massively parallel sequencing technologies have produced detailed genome-wide maps of epigenetic dysregulation.
Now with EPIGENETIC ENGINEERING, we enter a time where EPIGENETIC DISEASES can be properly modeled, and perhaps remodeled therapeutically.
EPIGENETIC TOOLS, MODELS, and THERAPIES
EPIGENOME ENGINEERING addresses a fundamental gap in our arsenal of tools to understand and perhaps control complex life at it's most basic level. How do cells change identity? How do they change function? Why is there cancer without gene mutation?
We know the epigenome is dynamic and interactive, and new molecular tools will expand our interactive capacity. By enabling the generation of previously unattainable EPI-DISEASE models, sequence-specific therapeutic epigenetic remodeling is on the horizon.