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Epigenetics: molecular mechanisms and implications for disease
- Source :
-
Trends in Molecular Medicine . Jan2010, Vol. 16 Issue 1, p7-16. 10p. - Publication Year :
- 2010
-
Abstract
- Epigenetics is rising to prominence in biology as a mechanism by which environmental factors have intermediate-term effects on gene expression without changing the underlying genetic sequence. This can occur through the selective methylation of DNA bases and modification of histones. There are wide-ranging implications for the gene–environment debate and epigenetic mechanisms are causing a reevaluation of many traditional concepts such as heritability. The reversible nature of epigenetics also provides plausible treatment or prevention prospects for diseases previously thought hard-coded into the genome. Here, we consider how growing knowledge of epigenetics is altering our understanding of biology and medicine, and its implications for future research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14714914
- Volume :
- 16
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Trends in Molecular Medicine
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 47462603
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2009.11.003