Epigenetics
Epigenetics is a crucial field of study, particularly in cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and addiction research. It focuses on temporary changes in gene expression regulation without altering the DNA sequence itself. These reversible modifications can be inherited across generations, making epigenetic mechanisms a vital component in understanding disease progression and inheritance. The three primary mechanisms of epigenetics include DNA methylation, histone modification, and RNA regulation, which collectively influence gene activity and cellular functions.
Overview
DNA Methylation
DNA methylation is the most well-known mechanism of epigenetics. It typically involves a methyltransferase enzyme that assists with the addition of a methyl group on the fifth position of cytosine (C5). This addition occurs mainly on cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) dinucleotides. However, non-CpG methylation occurs as well. Analysis of DNA methylation is often performed to help understand gene expression. Examples of this type of analysis include methylation quantification by digestion of DNA with subsequent analysis through HPLC, mass spectrometry, or using sodium bisulfate conversion followed by PCR sequencing and analysis.
Histone Modification
Histone modification is another classic epigenetic mechanism. It involves various ways of altering histones by acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and other mechanisms that affect gene expression. Histones are proteins that, along with DNA, make up nucleosomes. Bundles of nucleosomes create the chromatin that make up chromosomes. In general, histone modifications take place at the histone N-terminal tails with high proportions of the amino acids lysine or arginine. One way to study this epigenetic regulation is through the use of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays.
RNA Regulation
Less is known about RNA regulation than the other epigenetic mechanisms. RNA signaling is thought to play a role in epigenetics through regulating chromatin structure. Researchers are investigating how mRNA and specifically non-coding RNA, such as long non-coding RNA, and micro RNA regulate gene expression. Additionally, Chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) or RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays can be used to understand the relationship between chromatin and RNA and the role RNA has in epigenetics.