Why should mass tort stakeholders care about toxicoepigenetics? The start of the explanation is provided in an article online here; it is a promotion for an upcoming workshop on toxicoepigenetics. The introduction is cogent:
“Why should toxicologists and risk assessors care about epigenetics? According to Dana C. Dolinoy, PhD, University of Michigan School of Public Health, “many toxicologists may already be studying epigenetic phenomena — they just might not realize it.”
The epigenome is the master regulator of gene expression and, thus, has an integral role in nearly every physiological process. Therefore, toxicologists who research health, exposure-related disease, and susceptibility are actually concurrently studying the consequences of epigenetic regulation. While DNA and its 20,000 protein-coding genes can be thought of as static “hardware,” the epigenome is the “software” that coordinates its operation. Two of these mechanisms, DNA methylation and histone modification, regulate how readily genes encoded in the DNA can be expressed.”
In short, it’s not enough to think only about inherited germline mutations. in DNA Instead, epigenetic factors matter. Indeed, most asbestos litigation lawyers and coverage lawyers already are missing the boat as to BAP1 and epigenetic factors.
Intrigued? Consider attending the workshop. Registration is online here. The leader of the workshop is a smart young scientist, Shaun McCullough. We’ve been on a couple of panels together, and the experiences leave me certain this will be a great workshop. I’m attending. See you there?