Genetics vs Epigenetics: Implications for Understanding Genomics-Epigenomic-Multiomics Synchronization for Precision Medicine

1. Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia;
2. Institute for Glycome Study, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China;
3. School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
Glycomics; Public Health; Genetic Epidemiology; Chronic Disorders
Professor of Public Health in the Centre for Precision Health and School of Medical and Health Sciences
Member of the Standing Committee of the Human Glycome Project
Australian National Representative of European Association of Preventive, Predictive and Personalised Medicine (EPMA)
Fellow of Public Health, Royal College of Physicians, United Kingdom (FFPH)
Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology of United Kingdom (FRSB)
Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine of United Kingdom (FRSM)
Academic editor of PloS ONE (PLOS)
Associate editor of EPMA Journal (Springer-Nature)
Regional editor of Journal of Global Health (Edinburgh University Press)
Regional editor of OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology (Mary Ann Liebert)
Regional editor of Journal of Human Hypertension (Nature)
Leader of the Suboptimal Health and Glycomics research group, within the School of Medical and Health Sciences, and is the Suboptimal Health Program Lead in the Centre for Precision Health, an ECU strategic Research Centre
Dear Colleagues,
The central dogma of molecular biology, traditionally highlighting nucleic acids and proteins as the main players in genetic information flow, has historically overlooked the crucial involvement of other molecules, e. g., lycolipids and glycoproteins in cellular processes. Glycolipids and glycoproteins play vital roles in cellular signaling and recognition by combining carbohydrates with lipid and protein molecules, respectively. This Special Issue highlights the emerging field of genetics and epigenetics, which investigates the synthesis, modifications, and functional roles of DNAs, RNAs, Proteins, Sugars/Glycans, Lipids and metabolomics. Multiomics research has uncovered complex biosynthetic pathways and interplay between DNAs, RNAs, Sugars/Glycans, lipids and other biomolecules. Understanding the intricate languages of genetic and epigenetic information offers insights into cellular communication, immune response, pathogen recognition and pathogenesis of cancer, chronic diseases and aging. The proposed “paracentral dogma” emphasizes the significance of these epigenetic processes. Comprehensive knowledge of these basic life codes gained through multiomics research presents exciting prospects for personalized medicine and therapeutic advancements. On top of the classical genetics, exploring epigenetic-encoded information deepens our comprehension of cellular biology and its implications in health, disease, and targeted interventions.