Epigenomics – A Bird’s Eye Perspective on the Genome
Year: 2010
Type: article
Abstract: The constant interplay between DNA methylation, histone modifica-tions and small interfering RNAs – including micro-RNA – provides the basis for establishing a cellular epigenomic network. Its occurrence depends on various endogenic and exogenic factors and is specific to a given type of cell and during a precise period of time. Thus, an epigenomic network is where phenomena known for a long time as »tissue and time specific gene expression « – both necessary for proper cell functioning – are manifested. A cancer cell is an excellent example of disturbed epigenomic network. Be-cause of the reversible nature of the epigenomic process, the network can be partially or fully restored by the use of epigenomic drugs, to date, the inhibi-tors of DNA methylation and histone deacetylases. The possible interven-tion on the epigenome offers a very powerful tool in different fileds, includ-ing understanding disease pathophysiology, its treatment and, very signifi-cantly, its prevention.
Institution: Ruđer Bošković Institute
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1931295451