Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2025

06:38
Pattern-based Search of Epigenomic Data Using GeNemo
Published on: October 8, 2017
5.1K
Applications of bioinformatics in epigenetics
Ragini1, Sakshi1, Indra Mani2
1Department of Biotechnology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India.
Summary
Epigenetic modifications drive inheritance and disease. Bioinformatics tools and databases aid in analyzing epigenomic data for drug discovery against conditions like cancer and diabetic kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Bioinformatics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs, are crucial for inheritance.
- Alterations in gene expression from these modifications contribute to diseases such as cancer and diabetic kidney disease (DKD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of bioinformatics tools and databases for epigenomic profiling.
- To highlight the role of epigenetics in disease and drug development.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing bioinformatics approaches for epigenomic data analysis.
- Leveraging various sequencing and analytical techniques for epigenetic data extrapolation.
Main Results:
- Identification of numerous epigenetics databases (e.g., MethDB, REBASE) and tools (e.g., compEpiTools, CpGProD).
- Demonstration of how epigenomic data analysis can inform drug design for epigenetic-related diseases.
Conclusions:
- Bioinformatics is essential for understanding epigenetic modifications and their role in disease.
- Available databases and tools facilitate the retrieval and mechanistic analysis of epigenetics data, paving the way for targeted therapies.
Related Concept Videos
Epigenetic Regulation
3.1K
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...
3.1K
Histone Modification
13.4K
The histone proteins have a flexible N-terminal tail extending out from the nucleosome. These histone tails are often subjected to post-translational modifications such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination. Particular combinations of these modifications form “histone codes” that influence the chromatin folding and tissue-specific gene expression.
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone...
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone...
13.4K
Inheritance of Chromatin Structures
6.3K
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...
6.3K
Epistasis Analysis
5.1K
Although Mendel chose seven unrelated traits in peas to study gene segregation, most traits involve multiple gene interactions that create a spectrum of phenotypes. When the interaction of various genes or alleles at different locations influences a phenotype, this is called epistasis. Epistasis often involves one gene masking or interfering with the expression of another (antagonistic epistasis). Epistasis often occurs when different genes are part of the same biochemical pathway. The...
5.1K
Genomics
36.6K
Genomics is the science of genomes: it is the study of all the genetic material of an organism. In humans, the genome consists of information carried in 23 pairs of chromosomes in the nucleus, as well as mitochondrial DNA. In genomics, both coding and non-coding DNA is sequenced and analyzed. Genomics allows a better understanding of all living things, their evolution, and their diversity. It has a myriad of uses: for example, to build phylogenetic trees, to improve productivity and...
36.6K
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation- ChIP
11.2K
Chromatin immunoprecipitation, or ChIP, is an antibody-based technique used to identify sites on DNA that bind to transcription factors of interest or histone proteins. It also helps determine the type of histone modifications such as acetylation, phosphorylation, or methylation.
Types of ChIP
ChIP can be divided into two types - X-ChIP and N-ChIP. X-ChIP involves in vivo cross-linking of histones and regulatory proteins to DNA, fragmenting the DNA by sonication, and isolating the protein-DNA...
Types of ChIP
ChIP can be divided into two types - X-ChIP and N-ChIP. X-ChIP involves in vivo cross-linking of histones and regulatory proteins to DNA, fragmenting the DNA by sonication, and isolating the protein-DNA...
11.2K

