The Human Epigenome Project

The Human Epigenome Project is a scientific research initiative aimed at mapping and understanding the epigenome, which consists of chemical modifications that affect gene activity without changing the underlying DNA sequence. These modifications can influence how genes are expressed, impacting traits and disease susceptibility. By studying the epigenome, researchers hope to uncover how environmental factors, lifestyle, and development affect gene regulation, leading to insights in health, disease prevention, and potential treatments. Understanding the epigenome may help explain why identical twins can have different outcomes despite sharing the same DNA.