Despite some progress in recent decades, our understanding of complex diseases is still rudimentary, underscoring the need for innovative research strategies. One novel area of great promise is the epigenetics of complex disorders. Epigenetic research indicates that even genes that have no disease-predisposing DNA polymorphisms may be useless or even harmful if not expressed in the appropriate amount, at the right time of the cell cycle, or in the right compartment of the nucleus.

Our research projects are dedicated to a detailed epigenetic analysis of the genome in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease and other complex disorders. In collaboration with other groups, we developed a detailed high-throughput microarray-based method of profiling of DNA modification on a genome-wide scale. Fine-mapping of epigenetic profiles is done by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and other technologies. Other fields of epigenomic research cover environmental effects (e.g. radiation, nanoparticles) and genomic imprinting.

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Our research may lead to a better understanding of the changes in the regulation of genes and genomes that occur in complex diseases. It may also aid in understanding why the same gene sequence may predispose an individual to disease and in other cases does not, and elucidate the molecular mechanisms of how hazardous environmental factors interact with the genome. Results from the work may lead to new diagnostics and effective therapies. However, prior to a therapeutic intervention, identifying and understanding the epigenetic code is a necessity.