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Epigenetics
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Aggregates of the
SAGA protein Ataxin-7 Courtesy of Dr. S. McCullough |
Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in phenotype and gene function that are not caused by direct changes in DNA sequence.
During development, epigenetic changes accompany changes in gene expression during differentiation. DNA in eukaryotic cells is packaged into chromatin by histone proteins, and DNA-driven cellular processes, such as gene expression, require alteration of chromatin structure to access packaged DNA.
Epigenetic changes, including chromatin remodeling, histone exchange, or chemical modification of histone proteins affect access to chromatin DNA. Moreover, these modifications can be "read" by other proteins; epigenetic changes like DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and RNA interference are increasingly understood to be key players in determining cellular phenotype.
Epigenetic chromatin modification is also influenced by environmental factors and can be stably transmitted across generations. Improved understanding of epigenetic processes is producing exciting advances in cancer detection and treatment.
Epigenetic profiles can improve cancer detection, and new anti-cancer drugs target the chromatin modifying machinery. The UVA epigenetics research groups are utilizing model organisms, mammalian cells and human-derived samples in their studies.
A variety of experimental approaches, including biochemistry, genetics, genome-wide analysis and bioinformatics, and behavioral studies are being applied to study epigenetic mechanisms and changes associated with disease.
