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What is the definition of epigenetics?
Study of the mechanisms that leads to a reversible change in gene expression, that can be passed from cell to cell without changing the DNA sequence.
What are somatic cells?
Somatic cells are the cells in the body other than sperm and egg cells (germ cells).
What are examples of epigenetic modifications?
DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, and histone modification.
What is epigenetic inheritance?
It occurs when an epimutation happens in a germ cell.
Which molecules are involved in establishing epigenetic events?
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) act as a bridge between specific sites and proteins that alter DNA or chromatin structure.
What are examples of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)?
Endogenous microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs), PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), natural antisense transcripts (NATs), circular RNAs (circRNAs).
How can ncRNAs affect protein function?
NcRNAs can alter a protein's structure, can function as a ribozyme, and can block cellular processes.
What is HOTAIR?
A Hox transcript antisense intergenic ncRNA that acts as a scaffolding for two histone-modifying enzymes to their target genes.
What is genomic imprinting?
Genomic imprinting refers to the differential patterns of methylation that occur during oogenesis and spermatogenesis.
How does alcohol contribute to cancer risk?
Alcohol can damage DNA, induce oxidative stress, alter hormone levels, and increase absorption of carcinogens.
What is a tumor-suppressor gene?
A normal gene that regulates the cell cycle and acts as a negative regulator.
What happens when a tumor-suppressor gene is mutated?
It can lead to a loss of function, resulting in uncontrolled cell cycle progression.
What role do epigenetic drugs play in cancer treatment?
They target DNA methylation and histone modification to potentially reverse epigenetic changes associated with cancer.
What does the Agouti gene control?
The Agouti gene influences pigment production and is affected by methylation patterns.
What are the effects of BPA on the Agouti gene?
BPA disrupts methylation patterns in mice, affecting future generations.
How does royal jelly influence the development of larvae in bees?
Royal jelly can turn Dnmt3 off, activating queen genes and differentiating larvae into queens.
What are the components of the exposome?
Lifestyle, physical environment, social aspects, and chemical exposures that affect health.
What are some diseases associated with epigenetic changes?
ATR-X syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, various cancers, Rett syndrome, amongst others.
What environmental factors can regulate epigenetic changes?
Toxins, diet, temperature, and lifestyle factors.
What is the relationship between methylation and gene expression?
More methylation typically leads to less gene expression.
