Genetics of DNA Methylation and Its Role in Disease Susecptibility

DNA甲基化是对DNA的化学修饰，位于个人遗传和环境的界面上，这对调节许多细胞过程至关重要。越来越多的证据表明，DNA甲基化变异在疾病的发展中起着重要作用，它提供了一个潜在的治疗靶点。这项研究将填补我们对种群DNA甲基化水平差异的遗传和环境控制知识的根本空白。

DNA methylation is a chemical modification to DNA that sits on the interface of an individual's genetics and environment, which is critical for regulating many cellular processes. There is increasing evidence for a major role of variation in DNA methylation in development of disease and it provides a potential therapeutic target. This research will fill fundamental gaps in our knowledge of the genetic and environmental control of differences in levels of DNA methylation in the population.