The rise of historical epigenomics and temporal analysis of gene regulation

Abstract

Complex diseases driven by gene-environment interactions impose a heavy burden on human and animal health. Addressing these challenges requires innovative research. The emerging field of historical epigenomics offers a promising opportunity to link genotypes with phenotypes using preserved biological material. New methods such as historical chromatin profiling in museum specimens provide valuable insights into vertebrate genome regulation. Building on successful work with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples, we expect growing interest in using historical specimens for biomedical, evolutionary, and ecological research. Applied to historical collections, these tools can provide critical baselines for understanding modern diseases, environmental stressors, and human adaptation.