What is epigenetics
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Understanding Epigenetics: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Epigenetics
Epigenetics is a rapidly expanding field in biology that studies heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. This field has garnered significant attention due to its implications in development, disease, and evolution1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10.
Mechanisms of Epigenetic Regulation
DNA Methylation and Histone Modification
One of the primary mechanisms of epigenetic regulation is DNA methylation, which involves the addition of a methyl group to DNA, typically at CpG sites, leading to gene silencing. Histone modifications, such as methylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation, also play a crucial role by altering chromatin structure and gene accessibility3 4 5 10.
Chromatin Remodeling
Epigenetic regulation also involves chromatin remodeling, which changes the physical structure of chromatin to either expose or hide genes from the transcriptional machinery. This process is essential for cell differentiation and the maintenance of cell identity2 5 10.
Non-Coding RNAs
Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, are involved in the regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. These molecules can interact with messenger RNAs to either degrade them or inhibit their translation, adding another layer of gene regulation5 10.
Epigenetics in Development and Disease
Role in Development
Epigenetics is crucial for the development of different cell types from a common undifferentiated cell. Epigenetic marks guide the differential folding of the genome, thereby selecting which genes are expressed in each cell type2 5.
Implications in Human Disease
Aberrant epigenetic modifications are implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and metabolic conditions. For instance, incorrect DNA methylation patterns and histone modifications can lead to the misregulation of genes involved in cell growth and differentiation, contributing to cancer development3 5 8 10.
Epigenetic Therapy
Given that epigenetic marks are reversible, there is growing interest in developing epigenetic therapies. These therapies aim to correct aberrant epigenetic modifications and have shown promise in treating diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders5 10.
Epigenetics and Evolution
Phenotypic Plasticity and Adaptation
Epigenetic mechanisms contribute to phenotypic plasticity, allowing organisms to adapt to environmental changes without altering their DNA sequence. This plasticity can be crucial for survival and can influence evolutionary processes7 9.
Heritable Epigenetic Changes
While most epigenetic changes are reset during reproduction, some can be inherited across generations. These heritable epigenetic changes, or "epialleles," can be subject to natural selection, similar to traditional genetic alleles, thereby influencing evolutionary trajectories7 9.
Conclusion
Epigenetics offers a nuanced understanding of gene regulation, development, and disease. By studying the chemical modifications that influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, researchers can uncover new insights into biological processes and develop innovative therapeutic strategies. As the field continues to grow, it promises to reshape our understanding of heredity, evolution, and medicine.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Perceptions of epigenetics
Epigenetics is a new science that studies the influence of environmental factors on our genes, challenging the idea that we are hard-wired by our genes.
Highly CitedThe physics of epigenetics
Epigenetic marks on chromosomes direct gene expression by directing genome folding and regulating gene expression in different cell types.
Highly CitedEpigenetic modifications and human disease
Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, play a crucial role in gene and noncoding RNA expression and their aberrant placement can contribute to human diseases.
Highly CitedIntegrating Epigenomics into the Understanding of Biomedical Insight
Epigenomics, a rapidly expanding field in biomedical research, offers a comprehensive understanding of biological processes and complex diseases, with bioinformatics playing a crucial role in processing and interpreting large-scale NGS datasets.
Systematic ReviewEpigenetic control
Epigenetics regulates biological processes from conception to death, with DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications playing key roles in gene expression and affecting learning, memory formation, and cancer.
Highly CitedWhat Do You Mean, “Epigenetic”?
Different definitions of epigenetics have led to communication difficulties and a lack of synthesis of research across fields, highlighting the need for clearer definitions and unified research methodologies.
Highly CitedHow does epigenetics influence the course of evolution?
Epigenetic variation contributes directly and indirectly to evolutionary processes by affecting phenotype, modulating natural selection on sequence-based genetic variation, and enhancing phenotypic plasticity and adaptability.
Highly CitedEpigenetics and human disease.
Epigenetics plays a significant role in human disease, with mutations and epimutations in imprinted genes leading to genetic and epigenetic phenotypes.
Highly CitedThe Changing Concept of Epigenetics
Modern epigenetics focuses on cell commitment and transmission of functions, challenging the gene-centered neo-Darwinian view of evolution.
Highly CitedThe epigenetics of aging and neurodegeneration
Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in aging and neurodegeneration, and current therapeutic strategies aim to restore epigenetic homeostasis or counteract disease pathology.
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