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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
10:28
Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers
Published on: September 20, 2018
An operational definition of epigenetics.
Shelley L Berger1, Tony Kouzarides, Ramin Shiekhattar
1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Genes & Development
|April 3, 2009
Summary
A 2008 meeting on epigenetics aimed to define this field and understand how epigenetic phenotypes are stably inherited through multiple mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- A 2008 meeting convened experts to discuss epigenetics.
- The focus was on understanding epigenetic control of genomic function.
- A key goal was to establish a consensus definition of epigenetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To interpret and present the proceedings of the 2008 epigenetics meeting.
- To discuss the mechanistic steps involved in the stable inheritance of epigenetic phenotypes.
- To contribute to a broader community consensus on the definition of epigenetics.
Main Methods:
- Expert discussion and interpretation of meeting proceedings.
- Review of concepts related to epigenetic control of genomic function.
- Analysis of mechanisms underlying epigenetic heritance.
Main Results:
- The meeting highlighted the complexity of epigenetic control.
- Multiple mechanistic steps are involved in the stable inheritance of epigenetic phenotypes.
- A consensus definition of epigenetics was explored.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetics involves intricate mechanisms for heritable changes.
- Further community discussion is needed to finalize the definition of epigenetics.
- Understanding these processes is crucial for genomic function.
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