Collection: Epigenetics

Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA mechanisms, can influence gene expression and cellular function, playing a critical role in development, cellular differentiation, and disease.

Major Epigenetic Mechanisms:

DNA Methylation:

In DNA methylation, a methyl group is added to a cytosine base in a DNA sequence, typically at a cytosine-guanine (CpG) dinucleotide. DNA methylation is often associated with gene silencing, as it can inhibit the binding of transcription factors to the DNA, making it less accessible for gene expression.

Histone Modification:

Histones are proteins around which DNA is wrapped to form nucleosomes. Post-translational modifications of histones, such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination, can alter the chromatin structure, influencing gene expression. For example, acetylation is generally associated with active gene transcription, while methylation can be associated with either gene activation or repression, depending on the specific histone and its modification state.

Non-coding RNAs:

Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, play a role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. MicroRNAs, for instance, can bind to messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and inhibit their translation into proteins, thereby regulating gene expression.

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