Not All Biofluids Are Created Equal: Chewing over Salivary Diagnostics and the Epigenome

Overview

Journal Clin Ther

Specialty Pharmacology

Date 2015 Mar 18

PMID 25778408

Citations 29

Authors

Michael E Wren

Elizabeth A Shirtcliff

Stacy S Drury

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: This article describes progress to date in the characterization of the salivary epigenome and considers the importance of previous work in the salivary microbiome, proteome, endocrine analytes, genome, and transcriptome.

Methods: PubMed and Web of Science were used to extensively search the existing literature (original research and reviews) related to salivary diagnostics and biomarker development, of which 125 studies were examined. This article was derived from the most relevant 74 sources highlighting the recent state of the evolving field of salivary epigenomics and contributing significantly to the foundational work in saliva-based research.

Findings: Validation of any new saliva-based diagnostic or analyte will require comparison to previously accepted standards established in blood. Careful attention to the collection, processing, and analysis of salivary analytes is critical for the development and implementation of newer applications that include genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic markers. All these factors must be integrated into initial study design.

Implications: This commentary highlights the appeal of the salivary epigenome for translational applications and its utility in future studies of development and the interface among environment, disease, and health.

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