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Related Concept Videos

Inheritance of Chromatin Structures03:17

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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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...
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

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 Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

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

The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions that take up more dye are called heterochromatin. Heterochromatin is further classified into two forms – constitutive heterochromatin and facultative heterochromatin.
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Immunological Memory

Immunological memory, a pivotal pillar of the adaptive immune system, is responsible for the body's ability to remember and respond more swiftly and effectively to previously encountered pathogens. This remarkable feature is what makes vaccines so effective in preventing diseases.
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Epigenetic memory in mammals.

Zoë Migicovsky1, Igor Kovalchuk

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge Lethbridge, AB, Canada.

Frontiers in Genetics
|February 4, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Mammals can pass epigenetic information, like DNA methylation and histone modifications, across generations. This epigenetic memory bypasses reprogramming, influencing offspring viability beyond DNA sequence alone.

Keywords:
epigenetic disease inheritanceepigenetic inheritanceepigenetic memorygenomic imprintinggerm line reprogramming

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Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Epigenetic information, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, can be transmitted across generations through epigenetic memory.
  • Mammals undergo two major epigenetic reprogramming events during their lifecycle: one in primordial germ cells and another post-fertilization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the mechanisms by which epigenetic information escapes reprogramming and is inherited.
  • To provide evidence for non-Mendelian inheritance through epigenetic modifications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on epigenetic inheritance in mammals.
  • Analysis of examples such as histone retention in sperm, genomic imprinting, and small RNA inheritance.

Main Results:

  • Several mechanisms allow epigenetic modifications to escape reprogramming, including histone retention in sperm, genomic imprinting, and inheritance of piwi-associated interfering RNAs.
  • These epigenetic mechanisms support non-Mendelian inheritance patterns.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic inheritance is a viable mechanism in mammals, demonstrating that inheritance extends beyond DNA sequence.
  • Epigenetics plays a crucial role in the production of viable offspring.