Grant: CEEHRC Epigenomics Platform - Epigenomic Mapping Centres (EMC)

The term epigenome refers to chemical modifications of DNA and proteins that control genome (a term referring to all the DNA within our cells) structure and activity. In contrast to the genome, which remains mostly the same throughout an individuals life, the epigenome changes during development and aging, in response to various external stimuli and as diseases emerge. Epigenome changes can result in profound changes in which genes are turned on and hence how cells behave. Thus, an understanding of what epigenome states exist in different cell types and how these states are specified are critically important to many aspects of human health and disease. We propose to build on our internationally leading experience in epigenome mapping to establish a major Canadian centre of epigenome analysis that will demonstrate an ability to deliver complete reference epigenome information on a full spectrum of normal and diseased human cell types; to improve the technology for broader applications in the future; and to make this technology rapidly available to Canadian scientists. To accomplish this goal we have developed an integrated program with internationally recognized biologists and clinicians with specialized access to, and knowledge of, the normal and diseased cell types we will analyze. This collaborative team effort will transform our understanding of the relationship between epigenome modifications and how genes are turned on or turned off, and lay the foundation for larger studies to revolutionize our understanding of how diseases develop and how to anticipate and treat them more effectively.