Abstract

Epigenetic changes, that targets DNA and associated histones, can be described as a pivotal mechanism of interaction between genes and the environment. The field of epigenomics aims to detect and interpret epigenetic modifications at the whole genome level. These approaches have the potential to increase resolution of epigenetic changes to the single base level in multiple disease states or across a population of individuals. Identification and comparison of the epigenomic landscape has challenged our understanding of the regulation of phenotype. Additionally, the inclusion of these marks as biomarkers in the early detection or progression monitoring of disease are providing novel avenues for future biomedical research. Cells of the endocrine organs, which include pituitary, thyroid, thymus, pancreas ovary and testes have been shown to be susceptible to epigenetic alteration leading to both local and systemic changes often resulting in life threatening metabolic disease. As with other cell types and populations endocrine cells are susceptible to tumour development which in turn may have resulted from aberration of epigenetic control. The techniques including high throughput sequencing and array based analysis to investigate these changes have rapidly emerged and are continually evolving. Here we present a review of these methods and their promise to influence our studies of the epigenome for endocrine research and to perhaps uncover novel therapeutic options in disease states.