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Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic 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.
X-chromosome...

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

Cancer Prevention

Cancer Prevention

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...

Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance

Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance

Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...

Abnormal Proliferation

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Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation

Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation

Published on: January 2, 2009

DNA methylation, epimutations and cancer predisposition.

Alexander Dobrovic¹, Lasse S Kristensen

¹Department of Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 8006, Australia. alexander.dobrovic@petermac.org

The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology

|October 7, 2008

Summary

Epimutations, or epigenetic silencing, of hereditary cancer genes can occur somatically or constitutionally. These epimutations may be inherited, though often erased, influencing sporadic cancer development.

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Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation

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Published on: August 5, 2022

Area of Science:

Genetics
Epigenetics
Oncology

Background:

Hereditary cancer syndromes result from germline mutations, leading to specific cancer types and features.
Many cancer genes are epigenetically silenced by methylation in both hereditary and sporadic cancers.
Somatic epigenetic inactivation (epimutation) of hereditary cancer genes is a likely initiator of some sporadic cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the role of constitutional epimutations in hereditary cancer genes.
To investigate the inheritance patterns and mechanisms of epimutations.
To understand the relationship between epimutations, sequence variants, and environmental factors in cancer predisposition.

Main Methods:

Analysis of hereditary cancer genes and their methylation status in sporadic cancers.
Investigation of constitutional epimutations present throughout the body.
Examination of inheritance patterns, including Mendelian inheritance and potential sequence variants.

Main Results:

Constitutional epimutations of hereditary cancer genes can occur, arising early in development or being inherited.
Heritability of epimutations is generally low due to germline erasure.
Predisposition to epimutations, potentially linked to sequence variants, can be inherited in a Mendelian fashion.

Conclusions:

Epimutations of hereditary cancer genes play a role in sporadic cancer development.
Constitutional epimutations, though rarely transmitted, contribute to cancer risk.
Both genetic and environmental factors influence methylation propensity and cancer predisposition.