The 'Omics' of Epigenetic Modulation by Valproic Acid Treatment in Traumatic Brain Injury-What We Know and What the Future Holds.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a heterogeneous injury that is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Epigenetic modulation through the alteration of cellular acetylation by valproic acid (VPA) administration has shown promise as a novel pharmacological treatment for TBI. It improves clinical outcomes through multiple mechanisms, many of which are still poorly understood. In recent years, omics technologies have emerged as a promising strategy to detect molecular changes at the cellular level. This review highlights the use of these high throughput technologies in advancing the understanding of epigenetic modulation by VPA in TBI. It also describes the future role of omics techniques in developing a point of care test to guide patient selection for VPA administration.