Several challenges can affect the outcomes of EWAS:
Sample Heterogeneity: Differences in cell types within a sample can introduce variability. Environmental Influences: Epigenetic marks can be influenced by a range of environmental factors, making it difficult to isolate specific associations. Complexity of Data: The high dimensionality of epigenetic data necessitates robust statistical techniques to avoid false positives. Reproducibility: Ensuring that findings are reproducible across different populations and settings is crucial.