Epigenetische regulatie

Epigenetic changes are modifications in gene expression that can be inherited by daughter cells or passed down through generations without modifications to the genetic sequence.

These modifications can occur during embryo development as a regulatory process, or they can be caused by environmental factors, such as diet, exposure to toxic substances, and stress.

Epigenetic regulation occurs through three main mechanisms: DNA methylation, histone modification, and RNA-based processes.

In DNA methylation, methyl groups are added to specific bases. This alters the ability of regulatory proteins, such as transcription factors, to bind to DNA, usually preventing the gene from being transcribed.

Histone modification involves adding chemical groups, such as methyl or acetyl, to the histone proteins that DNA wraps itself around to form chromatin. These modifications affect chromatin wrapping by opening it up, making it more easily transcribed, or condensing it and inhibiting transcription.

Various types of RNA can also have epigenetic effects, including non-coding RNAs, which recruit the histone modifying enzymes. Additionally, messenger RNA can be methylated, altering translation.