Prof. Andrea Baccarelli
Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, United States
Abstract: I will present methods and results from recent and ongoing studies using molecular biology approaches to identify individuals that are more impacted or susceptible to harmful environmental exposures. I will introduce a cadre of methods ranging from epigenome-wide DNA methylation to exosome/extracellular vesicles and epitranscriptomics as promising new paths to enhance understanding of the effects of environmental exposures on human health. Over the past few years, the application of contemporary machine learning methods to epigenomics, specifically to DNA methylation data, has shown that DNA methylation can provide accurate fingerprints of environmental factors, including tobacco smoking, environmental chemicals, and lifestyle. Those fingerprints reflect current exposure, but they also correlate well with past and cumulative exposure. Many investigators have compared the epigenome to a recording device built in our cells that captures both external and internal conditions. Using this framework provides untapped opportunities to identify the impact of risk factors at the individual level, as well as new approaches for risk stratification and personalized prevention. In this presentation, I will review current evidence from recent studies and potential contributions to human health and disease. I will discuss data sources, methodological challenges for large human studies, limitations, and possible future directions.
Host：Prof. Zhuohui Zhao
Editorial Board Member
Fudan University
Time：09:00pm August 24, 2022 (Beijing time)
Zoom ID: 816 9975 7155
Bilibili: 25002335
