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Epigenetic Regulation

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 Regulation

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

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...

Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance

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...

Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells

Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells

Chromatin modification alters gene expression; therefore, scientists can add histone-modifying enzymes, histone variants, and chromatin remodeling complexes to somatic cells to aid reprogramming into pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Isolation and Cultivation of Neural Progenitors Followed by Chromatin-Immunoprecipitation of Histone 3 Lysine 79 Dimethylation Mark

Isolation and Cultivation of Neural Progenitors Followed by Chromatin-Immunoprecipitation of Histone 3 Lysine 79 Dimethylation Mark

Published on: January 26, 2018

Cell-type-specific DNA methylation dynamics in the prenatal and postnatal human cortex.

Alice Franklin¹, Jonathan P Davies¹, Nicholas E Clifton¹

¹Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK.

|September 25, 2025

Summary

This study reveals critical prenatal DNA methylation changes in the human cortex, offering insights into neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and schizophrenia.

Keywords:

DNA methylation aging autism brain cortex development epigenetics fetal neuronal schizophrenia

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Published on: September 7, 2017

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Epigenetics
Developmental Biology

Background:

The human cortex undergoes significant epigenetic remodeling during development.
The precise timing and cell-type-specific patterns of DNA methylation are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To map genome-wide DNA methylation across the human cortex throughout development.
To identify cell-type-specific DNA methylation dynamics.
To investigate the role of epigenetic changes in neurodevelopmental conditions.

Main Methods:

Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of human cortex tissue (6 weeks post-conception to 108 years).
Fluorescence-activated nuclei sorting (FANS) for isolating SATB2-positive neuronal nuclei.
Analysis of DNA methylation trajectories in specific cell types.

Main Results:

Widespread, developmentally regulated DNA methylation changes were observed.
Pronounced methylation shifts occurred during early- and mid-gestation, distinct from postnatal changes.
Cell-type-specific methylation trajectories were identified in developing cortical neurons.
Developmentally dynamic methylation sites were enriched near genes associated with autism and schizophrenia.

Conclusions:

The prenatal period is a critical window for brain epigenomic plasticity.
Epigenetic dysregulation in DNA methylation may contribute to neurodevelopmental conditions.
These findings have implications for understanding the genetic basis of neurodevelopmental phenotypes.