[Epigenetics. Mechanism and significance in gene regulation]

Epigenetics deals with the study of structural modifications in the regions of the genome, by methylation of DNA or chromosomal histones, or other mechanisms that affect the expression of genes without altering the base composition of DNA. Cell differentiation, which is established in embryonic development from blastocyst status, is the consequence of differential cell reprogramming, based on programmed epigenetic modifications, which establish differences in the epigenome of cells and tissues. Maternal and paternal genomes of the gametes have genomic imprinting differences due to DNA methylation or other epigenetic modifications established in the germinal cells during gametogenesis. Maternal and paternal parental genomes present differences of genomic imprinting, which are established by DNA methylation or other epigenetic modifications during embryonic development, in the primordial germ cells. Unscheduled epigenetic modifications may also occur under the influence of uncontrolled environmental factors, which can lead to health disturbances. However, all epigenetic modifications are erased after fertilization and those affecting the germ line of the embryo or fetus during their development are not inherited beyond the second generation, - F2 -. Epigenetics should not be considered a new type of inheritance with transgenerational consequences, but as a set of mechanisms related to genetic regulation.