Epigenetics and Gene Expression Regulation

Epigenetics

Study of heritable gene expression changes without DNA sequence alteration.

Gene Expression Control

Mechanisms regulating when and how genes are expressed.

Post-transcriptional Control

Regulation of gene expression after mRNA synthesis.

Alternative Splicing

Process generating multiple proteins from a single gene.

Introns

Non-coding sequences removed during mRNA processing.

Coding Strands

Strands of DNA that contain protein-coding sequences.

Differential Gene Expression

Variation in gene expression among different cell types.

Housekeeping Genes

Essential genes expressed in all cell types.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that regulate gene transcription rates.

-omics

Global studies analyzing biological systems comprehensively.

Genomics

Study of entire genomes and their functions.

Transcriptomics

Analysis of the complete set of RNA transcripts.

Proteomics

Study of the entire set of proteins expressed.

Chromatin Remodeling

Modifications affecting gene accessibility for transcription.

Epigenetic Modifications

Chemical changes regulating gene activity without altering DNA.

Methylation

Addition of methyl groups to DNA, affecting gene expression.

Histone Acetylation

Modification that loosens DNA-histone interaction, promoting transcription.

Deacetylation

Removal of acetyl groups, tightening histone-DNA interaction.

MicroRNAs

Short non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.

RNAi

Mechanism of gene silencing via RNA interference.

Microproteins

Small proteins regulating other proteins, usually <100 amino acids.

ORFs in Introns

Open reading frames located within non-coding intron sequences.

Glycosylation

Addition of sugar groups to proteins, forming glycoproteins.

Lipidation

Addition of lipid groups to proteins, forming lipoproteins.

Cleavage

Post-translational modification cutting larger proteins into smaller ones.

DSPP

Example of a protein cleaved into DPP and DSP.

Dutch Hunger Winter

Historical famine affecting epigenetics and gene expression.

IGF2

Gene influenced by maternal nutrition affecting fetal growth.

Transcriptional Regulation

Control of mRNA synthesis through promoters and factors.