Correlation between DNAm and CVD in the African American diaspora

Abstract

In recent decades, DNA methylation has emerged as an important type of epigenetic variation that may also serve as a critical biomarker for stress exposure. Rather than acting solely as a static regulatory system, DNA methylation is increasingly understood as dynamic and responsive to external conditions, particularly during sensitive developmental periods. By serving as a molecular record of stress exposure, DNA methylation bridges the gap between environment and genome. Understanding how stress-induced methylation patterns develop and persist not only advances knowledge of stress-related disorders but also highlights the potential of epigenetic markers in identifying vulnerability. DNA methylation offers insight into how psychological and environmental stressors shape long-term physiological and behavioral outcomes. As research continues to expand, DNA methylation stands out as a powerful indicator of how stress leaves measurable biological traces that may shape health across the lifespan.