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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...
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.
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.
Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance02:30

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...
Histone Modification02:32

Histone Modification

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 deacetylase,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

Analysis of Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance in C. elegans Using a Fluorescent Reporter and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)
10:28

Analysis of Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance in C. elegans Using a Fluorescent Reporter and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)

Published on: May 5, 2023

Exploring epigenetic inheritance: alternative models and experimental approaches.

Christina R Steadman1, Saddie Vela1, Warren W Burggren2

  • 1Genomics & Bioanalytics Group, Biosciences Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.

The Journal of Experimental Biology
|May 8, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Exploring epigenetic inheritance requires diverse models beyond traditional organisms. A question-driven approach, using novel systems like microalgae, is key to understanding epigenetic dynamics across generations.

Keywords:
Epigenetic inheritanceEpigeneticsMicroalgaeModel organism

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Last Updated: May 9, 2026

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Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics and inheritance

Background:

  • Epigenetics and epigenetic inheritance research has expanded significantly.
  • Established model organisms (rodents, flies, nematodes, plants) are widely used but can be limiting.
  • A need exists for novel models to investigate epigenetic inheritance mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To advocate for a question-driven approach in selecting biological models for epigenetic inheritance studies.
  • To highlight the importance of exploring novel model systems beyond traditional choices.
  • To introduce microalgae as a promising model for studying epigenetic inheritance dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • A framework for selecting organismal models based on research questions is proposed.
  • Practical considerations for model selection include husbandry, lifespan, phenotype quantification, and epigenetic manipulation.
  • Microalgae are presented as a case study for evaluating epigenetic inheritance dynamics.

Main Results:

  • A question-driven approach allows for broader exploration of epigenetic inheritance mechanisms.
  • Novel models can provide unique insights into the dynamics of epigenetic inheritance.
  • Microalgae are well-suited for studying the rates of epigenetic mark appearance, persistence, and fading.

Conclusions:

  • Aligning organismal model choice with specific research questions is crucial.
  • Expanding beyond traditional model systems is necessary for advancing epigenetic inheritance research.
  • Microalgae offer a valuable, underutilized system for investigating epigenetic inheritance dynamics.