Epigenetics is the study of how a person's environment changes the way thier genes work. This happens when chemical tags are added to DNA, causing the genes to be switched on and off. This process helps determine what function different cells will have. It also plays a role in certain diseases.  

The new Epigenetics Hub, funded by Barts Charity, brings together Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS Trust's world-leading expertise in epigenetics and artificial intelligence. It aims to unlock the epigenetic information given by fragments of DNA circulating in our blood, known as cell-free DNA. Detecting these fragments through ‘liquid biopsies’ – a simple and cost-effective blood test – could help with earlier diagnosis for conditions such as cardiovascular, kidney and liver disease, cancer, ageing, and complications in pregnancy.

Queen Mary has one of the UK’s largest and internationally recognised epigenetics research communities. This investment will allow for further recruitment of world-leading experts in epigenetic cell-free DNA analysis, machine learning/artificial intelligence research, and to gain access to the latest technologies and equipment for studying epigenetic information in cell-free DNA.

A pilot study involving patients from Barts Health NHS Trust will explore how epigenetic biomarkers impact on pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, a complication suffered disproportionately by women in East London. The study could uncover information that could predict pregnancy outcomes and help earlier diagnosis.

Source: https://www.bci.qmul.ac.uk/general-news/2024/01/new-epigenetics-hub-set-to-advance-early-disease-detection/https://www.bci.qmul.ac.uk/general-news/2024/01/new-epigenetics-hub-set-to-advance-early-disease-detection/