2.4 Epigenetics and Disease Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which epigenetic modification is often observed to be decreased in tumor cells compared to normal cells?

  • DNA methylation (correct)
  • Histone acetylation
  • Histone deacetylation
  • MicroRNA expression
  • What is a potential therapeutic effect of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, according to the text?

  • Enhanced oncogene activity
  • Increased DNA methylation
  • Reduced cell division rates (correct)
  • Increased cell division rates
  • Metformin, according to the text, has been suggested to have what kind of effect related to epigenetics and lifespan?

  • Modulation of epigenetic pathways with possible extension of lifespan (correct)
  • No observed effect in any epigenetic process
  • Increase in DNA methylation and a reduction in lifespan
  • Decrease in DNA methylation and a reduction in lifespan
  • Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a cancer type for which epigenetic regulation screening has shown promise?

    <p>Lung cancer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism of therapeutic action for DNA methylating agents?

    <p>Reversing DNA methylation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes epigenetic modifications from other genetic changes?

    <p>They are heritable but do not involve changes in the DNA sequence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes DNA methylation's role on the X chromosome in females?

    <p>The inactive X chromosome is heavily methylated, and the active is largely not methylated. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which developmental stage does the epigenetic inactivation of one X chromosome occur?

    <p>Gastrulation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What determines which X chromosome, maternal or paternal, will be silenced in each cell?

    <p>The choice is a random event independent in each cell. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe a situation where different cells in a female have different X chromosomes active?

    <p>Somatic mosaicism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of histones in the context of DNA?

    <p>To facilitate the compaction of DNA into the cellular nuclei. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key difference between heterochromatin and euchromatin?

    <p>Heterochromatin is tightly bound to its histones, while euchromatin is loosely bound. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the state of DNA-histone binding influence transcription?

    <p>Loosely bound DNA (euchromatin) is more accessible for transcription. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Histone acetylation has what effect on the interaction between DNA and histones?

    <p>It decreases the positive charge of histones, reducing their binding to DNA. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key function of protamines in sperm DNA?

    <p>They enable sperm DNA to achieve greater compaction than histone-bound DNA. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes 'housekeeping genes'?

    <p>Genes necessary for basic cell function, and are transcriptionally active in all cells. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the central idea of the genetic conflict hypothesis related to genomic imprinting?

    <p>There's a conflict of interests in gene expression between mothers, who benefit from limiting resources to each offspring and fathers benefit from their offspring maximizing resources from the mother. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Prader-Willi syndrome, what is the inheritance pattern of the genetic deletion?

    <p>Deletion on chromosome 15 of paternal origin. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is unique in that it can involve which genetic phenomenon?

    <p>Inheritance of two copies of chromosome 11 from the father and no copy from the mother. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a distinguishing feature of imprinting associated diseases?

    <p>The phenotype is critically dependent on whether the mutation is inherited from the mother or the father. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does in utero exposure to ethanol have on neural stem cells?

    <p>It impairs their ability to differentiate into functional neurons. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Individuals who were in utero during the Dutch famine in 1944-45 experienced what later in life?

    <p>They were more likely to suffer from obesity and diabetes as adults. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to methylation patterns in monozygotic twins as they age, especially if they have different lifestyles?

    <p>Their methylation patterns tend to show more differences due to lifestyle divergences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by 'genomic imprinting'?

    <p>It refers to a phenomenon where only one of the parental copies of a gene is expressed, with the other copy being silenced. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of methylation patterns are often found in people who have experienced PTSD?

    <p>There are alterations in gene expressions alongside atypical methylation patterns in a number of their genes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these statements is true of Russell-Silver syndrome?

    <p>A number of the cases are caused by imprinting abnormalities of chromosomes 11 or 15. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'totipotent' mean in the context of early embryonic cells?

    <p>Each cell in the early embryo can give rise to any somatic cell of the organism. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the role of epigenetic information?

    <p>Epigenetic information enables cells with the same genetic sequence to achieve diverse functions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Epigenetics

    Changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. These modifications can include methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA regulation, all of which can influence how genes are turned on or off.

    Metformin

    A drug that can slow down the aging process by influencing epigenetic pathways. It's known to affect the activity of genes involved in aging, potentially extending lifespan.

    Epigenetic Modifications

    A group of modifications to DNA, such as methylation, that affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.

    Epigenetics and Cancer

    Tumor cells often show a decrease in DNA methylation compared to normal cells, which can lead to increased activity of oncogenes.

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    Epigenetic Drugs

    Drugs that modify the activity of genes by targeting epigenetic mechanisms. These drugs can potentially reverse or modify disease states, including cancer.

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    DNA methylation

    A process where a methyl group (CH3) is added to DNA, often silencing gene expression. Plays a crucial role in X chromosome inactivation.

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    X chromosome inactivation

    A phenomenon where one of the two X chromosomes in females becomes inactive during early development. Occurs randomly, leading to differences in gene expression between cells.

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    Histones

    Proteins that DNA wraps around, like thread on a spool. They help condense DNA into the nucleus and play a role in gene regulation.

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    Heterochromatin

    A tightly packed state of DNA where genes are usually silenced because transcription factors can't access them.

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    Euchromatin

    A loosely packed state of DNA that allows access for transcription factors, leading to active gene expression.

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    Histone post-translational modifications

    Modifications to histones, like adding or removing chemical groups, that can alter gene expression. Can either promote or inhibit transcription.

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    Histone Modification

    A process where chemical modifications are made to histone proteins. This can include acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation.

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    Histone Acetylation

    A type of histone modification that involves adding an acetyl group to lysine residues on histone tails. This usually loosens DNA packaging and allows gene expression.

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    Histone Methylation

    A type of histone modification that involves adding a methyl group to lysine or arginine residues on histone tails. This can either enhance or repress gene expression depending on the specific site.

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    Totipotent

    A cell that has the potential to develop into any type of cell in the body.

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    Housekeeping Genes

    Genes that are expressed in all or nearly all cells of an organism. These genes are essential for basic cell functions.

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    Genomic Imprinting

    A phenomenon where only one copy of a gene is expressed, while the other copy is silenced. This silencing varies depending on the parent of origin.

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    Genetic Conflict Hypothesis

    A hypothesis that explains genomic imprinting based on the conflicting interests of mothers and fathers in offspring development.

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    Angelman Syndrome

    A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability, seizures, and a distinctive gait.

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    Prader-Willi Syndrome

    A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by short stature, obesity, and mild to moderate intellectual disability.

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    Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome

    A growth disorder characterized by large size at birth, hypoglycemia, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

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    Russell-Silver Syndrome

    A growth disorder characterized by growth retardation, short stature, and a small face.

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    Epigenetics and Environment

    The study of how environmental factors can influence gene expression and phenotypic traits.

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    Epigenetics and Aging

    The process by which monozygotic (identical) twins develop differences in their DNA methylation patterns over time. This is influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors.

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    Study Notes

    Epigenetics and Disease

    • Epigenetics refers to modifications to DNA that aren't changes to the nucleotide sequence itself, yet are passed down during cell division (somatic or gamete production). These modifications modulate how genomic information produces a phenotype.
    • Key epigenetic mechanisms include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA-based mechanisms.

    DNA Methylation

    • DNA methylation significantly impacts health and disease, particularly in females.
    • The inactive X chromosome carries substantial methylation, while the active X chromosome has minimal methylation.
    • Regions with high methylation are typically inactive, and not actively transcribed.
    • X chromosome activation occurs during gastrulation (early embryonic development) and is random in each cell (whether from mother or father).
    • This random inactivation leads to phenotypic differences. Example: females with one normal and one disease-linked X gene tend to have milder symptoms than males with a disease-linked X chromosome.

    Histone Modifications

    • Histones are positively charged proteins that DNA wraps around. This facilitates compaction in the cell nucleus.
    • Heterochromatin refers to tightly bound DNA segments.
    • Euchromatin refers to loosely bound DNA segments where transcription factors access the DNA to create mRNA.
    • Histone modifications (acetylation, methylation) influence the DNA-histone interaction and gene expression.
    • Acetylation reduces positive charge and loosening DNA.
    • Methylation can either increase or decrease bonding depending on the specific histone modification site.
    • Mutations in genes related to histone modifications are implicated in pathologies like congenital heart disease.
    • Protamines are evolutionarily derived from histones and provide even greater compaction for sperm DNA. They are also associated with male infertility.

    Epigenetics and Human Development

    • Early embryonic cells are totipotent, meaning they can develop into any somatic cell.
    • Housekeeping genes, crucial for cellular function, generally escape epigenetic silencing and remain active in almost all cells.
    • Genomic imprinting means either the maternal or paternal copy of a gene is expressed, not both.
    • This phenomenon contributes to offspring phenotype.
    • The genetic conflict hypothesis suggests that maternal and paternal interests are not entirely aligned regarding resource allocation to offspring.
    • Maternal imprinted genes are predicted to limit offspring size, while paternal are predicted to lead to larger offspring.
    • Diseases like Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes are linked to imprinting errors on chromosome 15, with symptoms differing depending on inherited parental source.
    • Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is also an imprinting disorder, often associated with multiple manifestations at birth, including birth size, large ears, etc. and has links to risk of developing certain cancers.

    Epigenetics and Cognitive Development/Mental Health

    • In utero ethanol exposure impairs neural stem cell differentiation.
    • Poverty and PTSD are associated with atypical methylation patterns in genes influencing brain function.
    • Autism spectrum disorder shows altered DNA methylation in certain genes.
    • The 1943 Dutch famine illustrates how in utero conditions can impact offspring health epigenetically. This exposure led to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes.

    Epigenetics and Aging

    • Monozygotic twins may show differences in DNA methylation patterns over time due to lifestyle differences (e.g., smoking).
    • Some propose that senescence (aging) is an epigenome phenomenon.
    • Metformin, a drug used in diabetes, has been linked with lifespan extension and potential epigenetic pathway modulation.

    Epigenetics and Cancer

    • Tumor cells often exhibit decreased genome-wide methylation relative to normal cells.
    • Epigenetic screening tools are promising for cancer detection (colon, breast, prostate).
    • Other genetic-based screening approaches show promise for bladder, lung, and prostate cancer.

    Treatment of Epigenetic Disease

    • Epigenetic modifications may be reversible.
    • Therapies like 5-azacytidine (DNA methylating agent) are used for leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes.
    • Histone deacetylase inhibitors decrease cancer cell division (breast, prostate, pancreas).
    • MicroRNAs hold promise for targeted cancer drug development.

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    Description

    Explore the fascinating world of epigenetics, focusing on its role in health and disease. This quiz delves into key mechanisms like DNA methylation and how they affect the inactive and active X chromosomes, particularly in females. Understand how these biological processes lead to phenotypic differences and their implications in various conditions.

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