Genetics and Epigenetics in Susceptibility to Multifactorial Diseases
A special issue of Genes (ISSN 2073-4425). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Genomics and Genetic Diseases".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 October 2025 | Viewed by 44
Special Issue Editors
Interests: genetics of multifactorial disorders; pharmacogenetics; miRNA variability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Multifactorial diseases, the etiology of which is characterized by a complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, pose a significant challenge to modern medicine. Their clinical variability, alongside differences in individual prognosis and therapeutic responses, underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of their underlying mechanisms. While genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have successfully identified genetic variants associated with disease susceptibility, the pivotal role of epigenetics is increasingly being recognized. Recent advancements have revealed significant epigenetic alterations across a spectrum of multifactorial disorders. However, the precise functional impact of these epigenetic modifications and their dynamic interaction with genetic predispositions remain largely unexplored.
The convergence of genomics and epigenomics, facilitated by advancements in high-throughput sequencing and computational biology, offers unprecedented insights into the intricate architecture of multifactorial diseases. Furthermore, the application of systems biology approaches is fundamental in unraveling the complex network of interactions among various factors. This integrated perspective is crucial for identifying novel biomarkers, predicting disease prognosis, and developing personalized therapeutic strategies. Moreover, recent discoveries in artificial intelligence and machine learning provide powerful tools to analyze vast datasets, enabling the identification of patterns and interactions that contribute to disease onset and progression.
Therefore, this Special Issue aims to offer a platform for original research and comprehensive reviews that deepen our knowledge of the multifaceted roles of genetics and epigenetics in multifactorial diseases, with the ultimate goal of advancing the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for such diseases. We particularly welcome contributions that focus on the following:
- Exploring the relationship between genetic variations and epigenetic modifications in disease susceptibility and progression;
- Investigating the functional significance of specific epigenetic alterations in modulating disease phenotypes and treatment responses;
- Utilizing multi-omics approaches to elucidate the complex molecular pathways underlying multifactorial disorders;
- Applying systems biology and computational modeling to predict disease risk and identify potential therapeutic targets;
- Addressing the translational potential of genetic and epigenetic findings for personalized medicine.
Dr. Cinzia Ciccacci
Dr. Andrea Latini
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- multifactorial disorders
- genetic factors
- epigenetic factors
- polymorphisms
- gene–gene interactions
- gene–miRNA interactions
- miRNA
- methylation state
- genetic susceptibility
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