Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics 2024, Vol.12, No.1, 47-54 http://www.medscipublisher.com/index.php/cge 52 3 Challenges and Future Directions 3.1 Technical and research challenges With the development of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technology, researchers are able to generate large amounts of data in a short period of time. However, this also presents significant challenges for data processing and analysis, including data storage, increased demand for computing resources, and complex data analysis technical requirements (Lin and Ngiam, 2023). Although the role of epigenetics in the development of disease has been widely recognized, how to directly derive the specific mechanism of disease from specific epigenetic changes remains a challenge. This is mainly because epigenetic alterations are often associated with multiple genes and biological pathways, and the interactions between these genes and pathways are very complex (Selcen et al., 2023; Li et al., 2023). 3.2 Future direction The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques in HTS data analysis is expected to increase significantly. These techniques can help automate the analysis process and identify patterns and associations in the data, thus solving the problem of large data volumes and high analysis complexity. In addition, the development of next-generation sequencing technologies will further increase sequencing speed and reduce costs, enabling more refined and comprehensive epigenetic studies (Lin and Ngiam, 2023). The study of epigenetics can not only provide new insights into the mechanism of disease, but also provide new strategies for the early diagnosis and personalized treatment of disease. For example, by analyzing an individual's epigenetic characteristics, early biomarkers of disease can be found, enabling early diagnosis and prevention. In addition, the development of drugs and therapies that target specific epigenetic alterations is expected to provide new treatment options for many difficult-to-treat diseases (Lordo et al., 2023; Ren et al., 2023). References Azmi N., and shahid A., 2023, Methylation status of potential genes in breast cancer patients and correlate them with gene expression, World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 17(1): 815-824. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2023.17.1.0076 Bunsick D., Matsukubo J., and Szewczuk M., 2023, Cannabinoids transmogrify cancer metabolic phenotype via epigenetic reprogramming and a novel CBD biased G protein-coupled receptor signaling platform, Cancers, 15(4): 1030. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15041030 PMid:36831374 PMCid:PMC9954791 Chmielowiec K., Chmielowiec J., Masiak J., Strońska-Pluta A., Lachowicz M., Boroń A., Larysz D., Dzitkowska-Zabielska M., Cięszczyk P., and Grzywacz A., 2023, DNA methylation of the dopamine transporter DAT1 gene-bliss seekers in the light of epigenetics, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(6): 5265. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24065265 PMid:36982343 PMCid:PMC10049030 Costa P., Sales S.L.A., Pinheiro D., Pontes L., Maranhão S., Pessoa C., Furtado G., and Furtado C., 2023, Epigenetic reprogramming in cancer: from diagnosis to treatment, Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 11 :1116805. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2023.1116805 PMid:36866275 PMCid:PMC9974167 Fu M.P., Merrill S.M., Sharma M., Gibson W.T., Turvey S.E., and Kobor M.S., 2023, Rare diseases of epigenetic origin: challenges and opportunities, Frontiers in Genetics, 14: 1113086. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2023.1113086 PMid:36814905 PMCid:PMC9939656 Gibbs R.A., 2020, The human genome project changed everything, Nat. Rev. Genet., 21: 575-576. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41576-020-0275-3 PMid:32770171 PMCid:PMC7413016 Haber D., Guo H., Wittner B., Vuille J., Lawrence M., Wu C., Toner M., Miyamoto D., and Maheswaran S., 2023, Abstract IA010: Hypomethylation of immune-related loci contribute to prostate tumorigenesis, Cancer Research, 83(2): IA010. https://doi.org/10.1158/1538-7445.METASTASIS22-IA010 Li H., Zhao Z.Y., Liu C., Yu B., Li A.Y., and Wu H.J., 2023, Epigenetic regulations in autoimmunity and cancer: from basic science to translational medicine, European Journal of Immunology, 53(4): e2048980. https://doi.org/10.1002/eji.202048980
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