Mission Statement

The mission of the Epigenomics Special Interest Group (SIG) is to provide a forum for discussion on epigenetics and epigenomics, a place for EMGS members interested in this topic to meet and share with one another, and an organized effort to promote epigenomics content at all EMGS meetings. The epigenome is the dynamic regulatory framework that controls the use of genomic information during development and tissue differentiation and governs the response of cells, tissues, organs, and individuals to their environment. Epigenetic modifications occur without a change to the underlying DNA sequence, and yet they are mitotically and in some cases meiotically heritable. Epigenetic mechanisms include but are not limited to DNA modifications (primarily cytosine methylation) and post-translational histone tail modifications (the ‘histone code’). This SIG seeks to represent all aspects of epigenomics from the targeted scale (i.e. DNA methylation of imprinted genes) to the full scale (i.e., genome-wide changes in chromatin accessibility) with a particular emphasis on how chemical and non-chemical environmental exposures alter the epigenome, thus influencing phenotype, health, aging and disease.  

Relevant activities of this SIG may include, but are not limited to, planning and sponsoring symposia, platform sessions, breakfast meetings, social events, and workshops for the EMGS Annual Meeting, selecting awardees from among our membership, and updating members about the latest in epigenomics through our website and email forum. Overall, this SIG provides a platform for members from all sectors (academia, industry, and government agencies) to discuss and learn about the latest in environmental epigenetics and epigenomics. 

SIG Contact

If you would like more information, you can reach out to us here: Epigenomics SIG Contact Form

If you are already an EMGS member and are interested in joining the Epigenomics SIG:

Join the SIG

Search for the name of the group using the Find A Group search bar and click + Join Group.

Top Global Issues

• Better understanding of the linkage of epigenetic alterations to environmental exposure and the human health consequences of these alterations. This understanding should improve guidance on interpretation of generated and translation of the data for regulatory and therapeutic use. 
• Standardization and accessibility of epigenetic-based measurements, methods, and reporting. Provide guidance on model usage and insurance of rigor and reproducibility of data generation.  
• Better understanding of the mechanisms of epigenomic-based heritability (both intergenerational and transgenerational). 

SIG Membership

Any EMGS member may join the SIG, serve in a leadership role (SIG Chair/Co-Chair, SIG Representative to Program Committee, Student and Early Career Investigator Co-Chair (SECI), and have voting privileges. Any EMGS Annual Meeting attendees who are not EMGS members and/or SIG members are welcome to attend the SIG meeting at the Annual Meeting. EMGS members may join or leave the SIG at any time, are encouraged to check on their membership status on the EMGS website and can ask SIG leadership to update their membership status as necessary. EMGS members may belong to as many SIGs as they choose, and SIG memberships are free of charge. 

SIG Leadership

Leadership roles in this SIG include a Chair, Co-Chair (optional), Student and Early Career Investigator (SECI) Co-Chair, and a Representative to the Program Committee. Starting in February 2020, the responsibilities for these roles and the timelines and procedures for nominations and elections has been standardized across all EMGS SIGs. 

SIG Files

Epigenomics SOP | EMGS Strategic Plan | 2024 Top Global Issues