How Does Epigenetic Heterogeneity Influence Disease?

Epigenetic heterogeneity is a key factor in the pathogenesis of various diseases. In cancer, for instance, the presence of diverse epigenetic states within a tumor can lead to the emergence of subpopulations of cells with distinct behaviors, such as increased invasiveness or resistance to therapy. Similarly, in complex diseases like neurodegenerative disorders and autoimmune diseases, epigenetic alterations can contribute to disease susceptibility and progression by affecting gene expression patterns in specific cell types.