Update on Epigenetics: Understand the Power of Epigenetics from Biological Clocks, Immune Status, Telomere Lengths to Early Cancer Detection

Edwin N. Lee, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, University of Central Florida College of Medicine

The emerging science of epigenetics is exploding and exciting. Epigenetics is the science of how our environment and other factors can turn on or turn off our genes. “Epi” means on or above in Greek and one part of epigenetics is looking at the methylation on our DNA. There are over 26 million spots where methylation can occur on our DNA in each cell. Since 2013 we have epigenetic biological clocks that gives our biological age, which is far superior than chronological age for measuring the aging process; which is still the biggest risk factor for all chronic disease and death. There are several biological clocks that will be reviewed. Not all the commercially available biological clocks are the same. By using computer algorithms and artificial intelligence on the DNA methylation pattern we now have clinical application to do liquid biopsy to detect cancer including stage 0. Cancer screening, estimation of telomeres, immune status, and other clinical application of epigenetics will be reviewed.