Abstract
The emphasis on clinical translation in biomedical research continues to grow. This focus has been particularly notable in those investigators using epigenetic approaches to decipher the biology of complex behavioral disorders. As a result of these efforts, reproducible findings for several disorders, such as smoking, have been generated, giving rise to hopes that biomarkers for other behavioral illnesses would be forthcoming. Unfortunately, that biomedical cornucopia has not yet materialized. In this editorial, we review progress to date and discuss barriers to generating epigenetic biomarkers for complex behavioral disorders. We highlight the need to incorporate information on genetic variation and develop more powerful bioinformatics tools in order to optimize the likelihood of success. We emphasize that searches should focus on clearly defined, readily distinguishable behavioral constructs and suggest that some well-intentioned methods, such as correction for cellular heterogeneity, may actually impede the identification of clinically relevant biomarkers in peripheral blood. Finally, we describe how the understanding created by the development of these biomarkers may lead to more valid animal models of neuropsychiatric illness. We conclude that the prospects for epigenetic biomarkers for complex disorders are bright, but emphasize that the journey to the clinical implementation of these findings will be a slow, iterative process.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: American journal of medical genetics. Part B, Neuropsychiatric genetics : the official publication of the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.