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The Basics of Epigenetics

The Epigenetic Mechanisms in Health & Disease Conference was held from 18. June 2010 to 18. June 2010 in Brussels, Belgium. A comprehensive update of the latest advances and techniques in histone modifications and DNA methylation, was provided by a distinguished line-up of speakers from Europe and USA. In this site, we will present the basics of epigentics.

In biology, and specifically genetics, epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in phenotype (appearance) or gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence, hence the name epi- (Greek: επί- over, above) -genetics. These changes may remain through cell divisions for the remainder of the cell's life and may also last for multiple generations. However, there is no change in the underlying DNA sequence of the organism instead, non-genetic factors cause the organism's genes to behave (or "express themselves") differently. At its most basic, epigenetics is the study of changes in gene activity that do not involve alterations to the genetic code but still get passed down to at least one successive generation. roll steel | Cheap wholesale golf bag accessories

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One example of epigenetic changes in eukaryotic biology is the process of cellular differentiation. During morphogenesis, totipotent stem cells become the various pluripotent cell lines of the embryo which in turn become fully differentiated cells. In other words, a single fertilized egg cell – the zygote – changes into the many cell types including neurons, muscle cells, epithelium, blood vessels etc. as it continues to divide. It does so by activating some genes while inhibiting others.

The Basics of Epigenetics 2011