Epigenetic alteration
Epigenetic alteration refers to changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be caused by various factors such as age, environment, lifestyle, and disease state. Epigenetic alterations can have significant effects on health and disease, and are a focus of much current research.
Mechanisms of Epigenetic Alteration[edit | edit source]
There are several mechanisms through which epigenetic alterations can occur. These include DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA molecules associated with gene silencing.
DNA Methylation[edit | edit source]
DNA methylation is a process by which methyl groups are added to the DNA molecule. This can change the activity of a DNA segment without changing the sequence. When located in a gene promoter, DNA methylation typically acts to repress gene transcription.
Histone Modification[edit | edit source]
Histone modification is another common form of epigenetic alteration. Histones are proteins that help structure DNA into a compact, folded shape known as chromatin. Modifications to these histones can influence gene expression by altering chromatin structure.
Non-coding RNA Molecules[edit | edit source]
Non-coding RNA molecules are RNA molecules that do not code for proteins but can regulate gene expression in other ways. Some non-coding RNAs are known to interact with DNA methylation and histone modification pathways, influencing their activity.
Epigenetic Alteration and Disease[edit | edit source]
Epigenetic alterations can have significant effects on health and disease. For example, abnormal patterns of DNA methylation and histone modification are associated with cancer. Epigenetic changes are also implicated in neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.
Research and Therapeutic Applications[edit | edit source]
Research into epigenetic alterations holds promise for the development of new therapeutic strategies. For example, drugs that modify DNA methylation or histone modification could potentially be used to treat diseases associated with abnormal epigenetic patterns.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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