Molecular Development - Epigenetics

From Embryology

Introduction

Epigenetics mechanisms[1]

In terms of molecular mechanisms, the field of epigenetics has begun to florish with some recent important findings. Epigenetics as the name implies, is the inheritance mechanisms that lie outside the DNA sequence of our genes. One of the initial discoveries was the effects of DNA methylation upon gene expression and then modifications of nucleosomal histones. This DNA methylation, usually associated with 5-methylcytosine (m5C), leads to transcriptional silencing in vertebrates.

Molecular mechanisms of development is an exciting area and requires a variety of different skills. This page introduces only a few examples and should give you a feel for the topic. Note that each section of system notes has a page covering molecular development in that system.

Molecular Links: molecular | genetics | epigenetics | mitosis | meiosis | X Inactivation | Signaling | Factors | Mouse Knockout | microRNA | Mechanisms | Developmental Enhancers | Protein | Genetic Abnormal | Category:Molecular

Some Recent Findings

  • Epigenetic memory in induced pluripotent stem cells. [2] "Our data indicate that nuclear transfer is more effective at establishing the ground state of pluripotency than factor-based reprogramming, which can leave an epigenetic memory of the tissue of origin that may influence efforts at directed differentiation for applications in disease modelling or treatment."
  • NIH Roadmap Epigenomics Program

DNA Methylation Changes with Age

Epigenetics - monozygous twins.jpg
DNA Methylation, young and old monozygous twins.[3]

Potential Imprinted Genes

Placenta potential imprinted genes.png Maternal and paternal resource allocation.png
Placenta potential imprinted genes[4] Maternal and paternal resource allocation[4]

References

  1. <pubmed>16688142</pubmed>
  2. <pubmed>20644535</pubmed>
  3. <pubmed>16009939</pubmed>
  4. 4.0 4.1 <pubmed>20617174</pubmed>

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Cite this page: Hill, M.A. (2024, March 29) Embryology Molecular Development - Epigenetics. Retrieved from https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/Molecular_Development_-_Epigenetics

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© Dr Mark Hill 2024, UNSW Embryology ISBN: 978 0 7334 2609 4 - UNSW CRICOS Provider Code No. 00098G