Epigenetics

Epigenetics studies changes in gene activity that persist through cell division without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Such changes can arise through chemical marks on DNA and its associated proteins.

DNA methylation: The addition of methyl groups to DNA, often affecting gene activity without changing its sequence. Methyl groups on DNA can help silence genes and persist through cell division.
Gene expression: The process by which information in a gene is used to produce functional RNA or protein. Epigenetic changes matter when they alter the use of genes.
Cancer epigenetics: The study of epigenetic changes that contribute to cancer development, progression, or treatment response. Tumors can silence protective genes or activate growth-promoting programs through epigenetic changes.
Genetics: The study of genes, heredity, and variation in DNA sequences. Genetics focuses on sequence variation, while epigenetics examines regulation without sequence change.
Epigenetic reprogramming: The resetting of epigenetic marks during development, especially in germ cells and early embryos. Reprogramming explains why many acquired marks do not pass reliably between generations.
Histone modification: Chemical changes to histone proteins that influence how DNA is packaged and used. Histone marks alter access to genes and help shape their activity.
DNA sequence: The ordered series of nucleotide bases that encodes genetic information. Epigenetics changes activity without changing this underlying sequence.
Epigenetic therapy: Treatment that targets enzymes or processes responsible for epigenetic regulation. Some drugs alter abnormal gene regulation by inhibiting DNA methylation or histone-modifying enzymes.
Mutation: A change in the nucleotide sequence of genetic material. Mutations alter DNA sequence; epigenetic changes alter gene activity without doing so.
Epigenetic clock: A statistical model that estimates biological age from patterns of DNA methylation. Age-predictive methylation patterns raise questions about what clocks measure and whether they drive aging.

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