As part of a global effort to map the human epigenome, UBC and BC Cancer Agency researchers have published the first epigenetic profiles of normal cell types in breast tissue.
The research is part of a major, co-ordinated analysis of the epigenomes of healthy and abormal cells by the International Human Epigenome Research Consortium (IHEC). The research—41 papers published in high-impact journals—could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat various diseases, including cancers. Scientists from the BC Cancer Agency, UBC and SFU published three of the papers.
“We are well on our way towards accomplishing our primary goal to create high quality reference maps of the epigenome for the scientific community,” said Martin Hirst, associate professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at UBC, BC Cancer Agency scientist, and lead of the Canadian network, funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, contributing to the IHEC.
“Now that a baseline picture of the epigenome is taking shape, we can start to integrate information about the effects of the environment, aging and disease on the epigenome.”
By mapping the epigenome—a series of unique chemical compounds inside each cell type that tell the genome what to do—researchers hope to understand how genes are switched on and off in cells in response to different environmental and chemical signals. The field has important implications for understanding normal human development and diseases. This effort is as big, if not bigger, than the Human Genome Project.
Hirst and colleague Connie Eaves, distinguished scientist at the BC Cancer Agency and a professor in UBC’s Department of Medical Genetics, published their findings on human breast tissue in Cell Reports. The information will help scientists understand how normal mammary glands develop and serve as a comparator for diseased tissues.
Hirst’s team also published another study in Cell Reports today that reveals novel methodology for analyzing the epigenomes of stem cells.
“This trio of manuscripts provides important insights into how epigenetic information is encoded during normal human development and how it becomes deregulated in disease,” said Hirst.
“While the data and analysis represent significant advancements in their own right, the findings are much more significant when integrated within a global effort to understand the role of epigenetics in complex human disease.”
The International Human Epigenome Consortium
The IHEC provides free access to high-resolution reference human epigenome maps for normal and disease cell types to the research community. IHEC members support related projects to improve epigenomic technologies, investigate epigenetic regulation in disease processes, and explore broader gene-environment interactions in human health.
Canadian Epigenetics, Environment and Health Research Consortium Network
The CEEHRC Network connects Canadian epigenetics researchers and expands their reach to the broader health research community in Canada and beyond.
The BC Cancer Agency
The BCCA, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer.
The Provincial Health Services Authority
The PHSA plans, manages and evaluates selected specialty and province-wide health care services across BC, working with the five geographic health authorities to deliver province-wide solutions that improve the health of British Columbians.
Alex Walls
Media Relations Specialist, UBC Media Relations
alex.walls@ubc.ca
