Epigenomics
Study of the complete set of epigenetic modifications on the epigenome.
Epigenomics focuses on the epigenome, which is the entire collection of epigenetic changes found on a cell's genetic material. This area of study is similar to genomics and proteomics, which examine the genome and proteome, respectively. Epigenetic modifications are reversible changes to a cell’s DNA or histones that influence gene activity without altering the DNA sequence itself. The upkeep of the epigenome is an ongoing process and is vital for the stability of eukaryotic genomes, as it contributes to key biological functions such as DNA repair. Certain plant flavones are thought to inhibit epigenomic marks linked to cancer. The most well-understood epigenetic modifications are DNA methylation and histone modification. These changes are crucial for controlling gene expression and regulation, and they are involved in many cellular processes, including differentiation, development, and tumor formation. Only recently has it become possible to study epigenetics on a global scale, thanks to the adaptation of high-throughput genomic assays.
- field
- Epigenomics
- known_for
- Study of the complete set of epigenetic modifications on the genetic material of a cell
- related_fields
- Genomics, Proteomics
- key_modifications
- DNA methylation, Histone modification
- techniques
- ChIP-Chip, ChIP-Seq, DNAse I hypersensitivity assays
Lore & Background
Epigenomics seeks to identify and characterize epigenetic modifications on a global level, similar to the study of the complete set of DNA in genomics or the complete set of proteins in a cell in proteomics. The logic behind performing epigenetic analysis on a global level is that inferences can be made about epigenetic modifications, which might not otherwise be possible through analysis of specific loci. As in the other genomics fields, epigenomics relies heavily on bioinformatics, which combines the disciplines of biology, mathematics and computer science.
Reader's Guide
Epigenomics has enabled the global study of epigenetic modifications, which are reversible modifications on a cell's DNA or histones that affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Two of the most characterized epigenetic modifications are DNA methylation and histone modification. Epigenetic modifications play an important role in gene expression and regulation, and are involved in numerous cellular processes such as in differentiation/development and tumorigenesis. Plant flavones are said to be inhibiting epigenomic marks that cause cancers. The study of epigenetics on a global level has been made possible only recently through the adaptation of genomic high-throughput assays. Epigenomic maintenance is a continuous process and plays an important role in stability of eukaryotic genomes by taking part in crucial biological mechanisms like DNA repair.
Did You Know?
- Epigenetic modifications are reversible modifications on a cell's DNA or histones that affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
- Two of the most characterized epigenetic modifications are DNA methylation and histone modification.
- Plant flavones are said to be inhibiting epigenomic marks that cause cancers.
- Epigenomic maintenance plays an important role in stability of eukaryotic genomes by taking part in DNA repair.
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