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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

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Efficient and Rapid Isolation of Early-stage Embryos from Arabidopsis thaliana Seeds
Published on: June 7, 2013
Seed in soil, with an epigenetic view
Huey-Jen L Lin1, Tao Zuo, Jennifer R Chao
1Ohio State University, Columbus, USA. huey-jen.lin@osumc.edu
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|January 24, 2009
Summary
Epigenetic changes, not just genetics, drive cancer. The tumor microenvironment influences breast cancer development, offering potential therapeutic targets by blocking these epigenetic initiators.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Multistep carcinogenesis involves more than genetic alterations.
- The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epigenetic aspects of breast cancer development.
- To highlight the role of the tumor microenvironment in breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on epigenetics and cancer.
- Analysis of cell-matrix interactions in the tumor microenvironment.
- Emphasis on recent research findings linking microenvironment to epigenetic changes.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic perturbations induced by the tumor microenvironment may cause breast cancer.
- The "seed and soil" model explains epithelial cell and microenvironment interactions.
- Tumor microenvironment influences tumor growth and progression.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic factors are critical in breast cancer development.
- Targeting microenvironment-induced epigenetic changes offers a therapeutic strategy.
- Understanding "seed and soil" interactions is key for future treatments.
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Seed Structure and Early Development of the Sporophyte
Seed structures are composed of a protective seed coat surrounding a plant embryo, and a food store for the developing embryo. The embryo contains the precursor tissues for leaves, stem, and roots. The endosperm and cotyledons—seed leaves—act as the food reserves for the growing embryo.
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...
X-chromosome...
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 mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Inheritance of Chromatin Structures
Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying DNA...
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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...
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