Introduction to Epigenetics Flashcards
Define Epigenetics.
Heritable changes in gene expression that are not a consequence of changes in DNA sequence
How are epigenetic heritable?
In stem cells epigenetic not established so daughter cells can be any cell type.
In established cells the daughters inherit the epigenetics maintaining the tissues.
Why are epigenetic important for chronic disease?
Can be modified by the environment increasing risk in development
Can be modified pharmacologically which may be avenue in treatment
What are the epigenetic markers?
DNA methylation
Histone modification
What is DNA methylation?
Only common occurring covalent modification of DNA.
Where is DNA methylated.
5 position of the cytosine ring.
Anywhere else is considered DNA damage.
What is the enzyme which leads to DNA methylation?
DNMT1, 3a, 3b (DNA methyltransferase)
What is different about DNMT1?
It copies the methylation of the old strand onto a freshly translated one.
What is the role of DNMT 3a and b?
These do initial methylation in early embryonic development.
What is s-Adenosyl methionine (SAM)?
A methyl donor
What are the sites at which methylation occurs at called?
CpG sites
How many CpG sites are methylated?
70%
Does the genome have a lot of CpG sites?
No.
What is special about CpG islands?
They are methylation free
When is DNA methylation important?
Imprinted genes
Repetitive elements
Tissue specific expression
Why is DNA methylation important?
Causes transcriptional repression when needed.
What kinds of histone modification is there?
Acetylation
Methylation
Phosphorylation
Ubiquitination