The potential of DNA methylation as a biomarker for obesity and smoking

DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that has consistently been shown to be linked with a variety of human traits and diseases. Because DNA methylation is dynamic and potentially reversible in nature and can reflect environmental exposures and predict the onset of diseases, it has piqued interest as a potential disease biomarker. DNA methylation patterns are more stable than transcriptomic or proteomic patterns, and they are relatively easy to measure to track exposure to different environments and risk factors. Importantly, technologies for DNA methylation quantification have become increasingly cost effective—accelerating new research in the field—and have enabled the development of novel DNA methylation biomarkers. Quite a few DNA methylation‐based predictors for a number of traits and diseases already exist. Such predictors show potential for being more accurate than self‐reported or measured phenotypes (such as smoking behavior and body mass index) and may even hold potential for applications in clinics. In this review, we will first discuss the advantages and challenges of DNA methylation biomarkers in general. We will then review the current state and future potential of DNA methylation biomarkers in two human traits that show rather consistent alterations in methylome—obesity and smoking. Lastly, we will briefly speculate about the future prospects of DNA methylation biomarkers, and possible ways to achieve them.