Multi-omics approaches for understanding gene-environment interactions in noncommunicable diseases: techniques, translation, and equity issues

Mediator complex: update of key insights into transcriptional regulation of ancestral framework and its role in cardiovascular diseases

Transcriptional regulation plays a pivotal role in coordinating the complex morphogenetic and molecular events involved in heart development and function. In the early stages of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the Mediator complex (MED) performs a variety of essential functions. While initial studies focused on correlating MED components with specific CVDs, more recent research has shifted toward a deeper exploration of the MED's role in the early pathogenesis of these diseases. This review highlights the latest findings published between January 2018 and February 2025, with a particular focus on the protein subunits MED1, MED12, MED13, MED13L, MED15, and MED23, and their implications in various cardiovascular pathologies. The MED complex is a crucial regulator of gene transcription, bridging transcription factors and RNA polymerase II. In "-omic" sciences, studying MED functions is essential to understanding molecular interactions that regulate gene expression. Within precision medicine, the MED complex is a key node in gene expression networks. Its study within the -omic framework can provide valuable insights into how molecular interactions shape cellular processes in both health and disease, ultimately enhancing the diagnosis, understanding, and treatment of CVDs through personalized medicine.

Gene-Diet Interactions in Diabetes Mellitus: Current Insights and the Potential of Personalized Nutrition

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remaina significant global health challenge, with its increasing prevalence and associated complications contributing to high morbidity and economic burden. Genetic factors play a crucial role in T2DM susceptibility, yet individual responses to dietary interventions vary widely, emphasizing the importance of gene-diet (G × D) interactions. This review synthesizes the current literature on the genetic basis of T2DM and the role of G × D interactions in shaping individual responses to diet. We examine the genetics implication in T2DM risk and modulation by dietary factors, with a focus on the potential of Nutrigenetics in guiding personalized nutrition (PN) strategies. Moreover, the clinical implications of these interactions for the personalized prevention and management of T2DM are explored, highlighting the promise of tailoring dietary recommendations based on genetic profiles. Critical research gaps, including the need for diverse and longitudinal studies, the integration of multi-omic data, and the inclusion of digital health technologies in PN are discussed. Finally, future directions for the field are outlined, advocating for more inclusive, large-scale studies to optimize PN approaches for diverse populations and improve the efficacy of T2DM prevention and management. This review underscores the potential of an individualized, genetically informed dietary approach in modulating the global burden of T2DM.

The Use of Biomarkers in Precision Health Symptom Science-Opportunities and Challenges

OBJECTIVES

Precision health symptom science applies person-centered approaches to elucidate interindividual differences in patients' symptom experiences and incorporates omics methods with social, societal, and environmental determinants of health to develop symptom management strategies. By filling scientific gaps related to patients' symptom experiences and their underlying mechanisms, interventions can be developed to improve quality of life and outcomes. The purposes of this article are to describe symptom phenotype development; review analytical approaches to identify a symptom phenotype; and discuss common and emerging methods for biomarker discovery and their implications in precision health symptom science.

METHODS

Peer-reviewed research studies, review articles, and scientific expertise were synthesized to provide a broad overview of several methods of biomarker discovery and their implications for precision health symptom science.

RESULTS

Approaches to symptom phenotype development and analytical methods for phenotype identification were reviewed. Common (ie, genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, microbiome) and emerging (ie, polygenic risk scores, microRNA, epigenetic clocks, allostatic load, wearables) methods for biomarker discovery were described. Each method provides unique information to improve our understanding of the complex biological processes that underlie symptoms and may be used for risk prediction, screening, surveillance, and treatment response.

CONCLUSIONS

While the exemplar approaches to conducting precision health symptom science were shared through an oncology lens, they are generalizable across acute and chronic conditions.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Symptom biomarker identification is inherently complex and the methods for biomarker collection, processing, measurement, and analysis are continually evolving. Therefore, symptom scientists need to form transdisciplinary teams with experts in omics methodologies and bioinformatics. Despite the challenges, symptom scientists are well suited to lead the way in precision health symptom science to reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life among patients with various chronic conditions.