Exploring The Frontiers Of Epigenetics: Understanding The Role Of Epigenomic Modifications In Gene Expression, Development, And Disease Pathogenesis

Abstract

DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA are the three primary epigenetics elements involved in gene expression, development, and diseases. The bibliometric analysis aims to systematically present state-of-the-art research on epigenomic modifications and their roles during development and diseases. The specific objectives are to understand the functions of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA in gene expression regulation their functions in cellular differentiation and function, and their link with diseases such as cancer, neurological, and metabolic disorders. The study was done with the help of bibliometric data from recent research and methodologies through citation analysis, co-occurrence analysis, and trend analysis using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer tools from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The citation indicators and the research productivity were compared using descriptive analysis with the help of R software and Python. The present research results demonstrated that DNA methylation and histone modifications were changed between healthy individuals and patients with diseases. Cancer patients had the highest mean DNA methylation levels of 52. 1% while the healthy controls were at 35%. 2% with neurological and metabolic disorder patients also having slightly higher methylation levels. Further alterations in the histone modifications and gene expression also pointed towards the need for epigenomic modifications in disease. In this paper, it is concluded that these epigenetic modifications play a role in disease mechanisms and the identification of treatment approaches. Subsequent research should involve epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analysis to enhance the understanding and application of these processes in clinical practice.