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Published on: April 5, 2018
Epigenetics
1Gastroenterology Research Unit, Saint Mary's Hospital, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. lomberk.gwen@mayo.edu
Summary
Epigenetics, the study of heritable gene function changes without altering DNA sequence, is reshaping our understanding of heredity. Key epigenetic mechanisms influence development and disease, impacting fields like cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Epigenetics involves heritable gene function changes without altering DNA sequence.
- This field challenges traditional genetic concepts of heredity.
- Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial for phenotype transmission and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of epigenetics in modern biological research.
- To underscore the impact of epigenetics on understanding heredity.
- To emphasize the role of epigenetic mechanisms in development and disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research in epigenetics.
- Analysis of key epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation and histone modifications.
- Examination of RNA interference and chromatin modifiers.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic mechanisms are central, not peripheral, to phenotype transmission.
- Understanding of heredity is evolving due to epigenetic discoveries.
- Epigenetics significantly impacts the study of diseases like cancer.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetics is a fundamental area of biological research.
- Epigenetic mechanisms are critical regulators of gene expression and development.
- The study of epigenetics offers new perspectives on disease mechanisms and potential treatments.
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01:37Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
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