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Questions and Answers
What are the two main categories that epigenetic mechanisms are divided into?
What are the two main categories that epigenetic mechanisms are divided into?
Transcriptional and Post-transcriptional
Which of the following is not a type of covalent histone modification?
Which of the following is not a type of covalent histone modification?
Histone methylation is irreversible and stable.
Histone methylation is irreversible and stable.
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What is the attachment of a methyl group (CH3) to cytosine in CpG dinucleotides called?
What is the attachment of a methyl group (CH3) to cytosine in CpG dinucleotides called?
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What are the main types of DNA methyltransferases?
What are the main types of DNA methyltransferases?
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Epigenetic changes are always permanent and irreversible.
Epigenetic changes are always permanent and irreversible.
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Epigenetic changes can alter the DNA sequence.
Epigenetic changes can alter the DNA sequence.
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What is the process by which one X chromosome in female mammals becomes inactive called?
What is the process by which one X chromosome in female mammals becomes inactive called?
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What is the name of the condensed structure formed during X chromosome inactivation?
What is the name of the condensed structure formed during X chromosome inactivation?
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What is the name of the specific gene responsible for initiating and regulating X inactivation?
What is the name of the specific gene responsible for initiating and regulating X inactivation?
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What term is used to describe the suppression of an expressible gene?
What term is used to describe the suppression of an expressible gene?
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Genomic imprinting is an example of Mendelian inheritance.
Genomic imprinting is an example of Mendelian inheritance.
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Which of the following syndromes is associated with a deletion in the Small nuclear ribonucleoprotein associated protein N gene's promoter and ICR on the paternal chromosome?
Which of the following syndromes is associated with a deletion in the Small nuclear ribonucleoprotein associated protein N gene's promoter and ICR on the paternal chromosome?
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Which imprinted gene, primarily active in brain cells, is affected by a deletion in its ICR, leading to Angelman syndrome?
Which imprinted gene, primarily active in brain cells, is affected by a deletion in its ICR, leading to Angelman syndrome?
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Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome is a genetic disorder associated with alterations in the epigenetic histone code.
Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome is a genetic disorder associated with alterations in the epigenetic histone code.
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Fragile X syndrome is caused by errors in the DNA methylation mechanism that affect repeat sequences.
Fragile X syndrome is caused by errors in the DNA methylation mechanism that affect repeat sequences.
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Which gene is responsible for mRNA transport and undergoes alterations when CGG repeats in its 5'UTR region exceed 200 copies, contributing to Fragile X syndrome?
Which gene is responsible for mRNA transport and undergoes alterations when CGG repeats in its 5'UTR region exceed 200 copies, contributing to Fragile X syndrome?
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The term '______' was initially proposed by Conrad Waddington in 1942.
The term '______' was initially proposed by Conrad Waddington in 1942.
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What does the prefix 'epi' mean in Ancient Greek?
What does the prefix 'epi' mean in Ancient Greek?
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Epigenetic regulation refers to changes in gene expression that are passed on through mitotic and/or meiotic cell division without altering the DNA's nucleotide structure.
Epigenetic regulation refers to changes in gene expression that are passed on through mitotic and/or meiotic cell division without altering the DNA's nucleotide structure.
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What distinguishes one individual from another?
What distinguishes one individual from another?
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What distinguishes one cell from another?
What distinguishes one cell from another?
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What remains the same in every cell of an organism?
What remains the same in every cell of an organism?
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Which of the following processes can vary among cells?
Which of the following processes can vary among cells?
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Which of the following is NOT an example of an epigenetic mechanism?
Which of the following is NOT an example of an epigenetic mechanism?
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Epigenetic mechanisms can be divided into two categories. What are those categories?
Epigenetic mechanisms can be divided into two categories. What are those categories?
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Which of the following is NOT a covalent modification of histones?
Which of the following is NOT a covalent modification of histones?
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Which of the following is a non-covalent modification of histones?
Which of the following is a non-covalent modification of histones?
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Histone modifications are always irreversible.
Histone modifications are always irreversible.
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What type of modifications are histone acetylation and phosphorylation?
What type of modifications are histone acetylation and phosphorylation?
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What is the function of histone acetyltransferase (HAT)?
What is the function of histone acetyltransferase (HAT)?
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What is the function of histone deacetylase (HDAC)?
What is the function of histone deacetylase (HDAC)?
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Histone methylation does not alter the charge of histones.
Histone methylation does not alter the charge of histones.
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Which of the following is NOT a known histone methylation enzyme?
Which of the following is NOT a known histone methylation enzyme?
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Histone methylation is a reversible process.
Histone methylation is a reversible process.
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Histone deimination is a modification that can contribute to chromatin compaction.
Histone deimination is a modification that can contribute to chromatin compaction.
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Histone ubiquitination results in chromatin compaction.
Histone ubiquitination results in chromatin compaction.
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What is the function of histone sumoylation?
What is the function of histone sumoylation?
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Histone phosphorylation is a reversible process.
Histone phosphorylation is a reversible process.
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Post-transcriptional mechanisms involve the inhibition of protein synthesis through the impact of non-coding RNA on non-coding mRNA.
Post-transcriptional mechanisms involve the inhibition of protein synthesis through the impact of non-coding RNA on non-coding mRNA.
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What are the two main types of non-coding RNAs involved in epigenetic processes?
What are the two main types of non-coding RNAs involved in epigenetic processes?
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Only about 3 percent of the mammalian genome consists of protein-coding messenger RNAs (mRNA).
Only about 3 percent of the mammalian genome consists of protein-coding messenger RNAs (mRNA).
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Non-coding RNAs can initiate histone modifications and DNA methylation.
Non-coding RNAs can initiate histone modifications and DNA methylation.
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SiRNA perfectly matches the target mRNA sequence and cleaves it, leading to the degradation of the mRNA.
SiRNA perfectly matches the target mRNA sequence and cleaves it, leading to the degradation of the mRNA.
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MiRNA usually cannot cleave mRNA because it doesn't exhibit perfect matching with mRNA.
MiRNA usually cannot cleave mRNA because it doesn't exhibit perfect matching with mRNA.
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MiRNA can suppress translation by preventing the binding of initiation factors to mRNA.
MiRNA can suppress translation by preventing the binding of initiation factors to mRNA.
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What is the most important modification at the DNA level?
What is the most important modification at the DNA level?
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What is the role of CpG islands in housekeeping and regulatory genes?
What is the role of CpG islands in housekeeping and regulatory genes?
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CpG islands are typically resistant to DNA methylation.
CpG islands are typically resistant to DNA methylation.
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Heterochromatin regions are known to exhibit high levels of DNA methylation.
Heterochromatin regions are known to exhibit high levels of DNA methylation.
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DNA methylation is a reversible process.
DNA methylation is a reversible process.
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A methyl group is attached to thymine in CpG islands.
A methyl group is attached to thymine in CpG islands.
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DNA methylation can lead to gene silencing.
DNA methylation can lead to gene silencing.
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What is the name of the enzyme responsible for adding a methyl group to the 5th carbon of cytosine in DNA?
What is the name of the enzyme responsible for adding a methyl group to the 5th carbon of cytosine in DNA?
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What happens when both strands of DNA are methylated?
What happens when both strands of DNA are methylated?
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What happens when only one strand of DNA is methylated?
What happens when only one strand of DNA is methylated?
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De novo DNA methyltransferases are involved in replicating existing methylation patterns.
De novo DNA methyltransferases are involved in replicating existing methylation patterns.
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Maintenance DNA methyltransferases are involved in preserving existing methylation patterns.
Maintenance DNA methyltransferases are involved in preserving existing methylation patterns.
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Which of the following DNA methyltransferases is responsible for de novo methylation?
Which of the following DNA methyltransferases is responsible for de novo methylation?
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Genetic changes are generally reversible.
Genetic changes are generally reversible.
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Genetic changes affect gene expression.
Genetic changes affect gene expression.
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Epigenetic changes affect the sequence of DNA.
Epigenetic changes affect the sequence of DNA.
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Epigenetic changes can be inherited across generations.
Epigenetic changes can be inherited across generations.
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Epigenetic modifications can be influenced by environmental factors.
Epigenetic modifications can be influenced by environmental factors.
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Epigenetic modifications are the only factor that determines the risk of cancer development.
Epigenetic modifications are the only factor that determines the risk of cancer development.
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How does DNA methylation of tumor suppressor genes affect cancer development?
How does DNA methylation of tumor suppressor genes affect cancer development?
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How can DNA methylation and histone modifications contribute to cancer development?
How can DNA methylation and histone modifications contribute to cancer development?
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Epigenetic drug resistance, a phenomenon caused by epigenetic changes, can make cancer treatments less effective.
Epigenetic drug resistance, a phenomenon caused by epigenetic changes, can make cancer treatments less effective.
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Epigenetic therapies, such as DNA methylation inhibitors and HDAC inhibitors, aim to reverse epigenetic changes associated with cancer.
Epigenetic therapies, such as DNA methylation inhibitors and HDAC inhibitors, aim to reverse epigenetic changes associated with cancer.
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MiRNA therapies are a potential treatment for cancer.
MiRNA therapies are a potential treatment for cancer.
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Dosage compensation is a process that ensures equal dosage of genes on the X chromosome between the two sexes.
Dosage compensation is a process that ensures equal dosage of genes on the X chromosome between the two sexes.
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Dosage compensation occurs in female mammals.
Dosage compensation occurs in female mammals.
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Dosage compensation occurs during embryonic development.
Dosage compensation occurs during embryonic development.
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The inactive X chromosome is known as the Barr Body.
The inactive X chromosome is known as the Barr Body.
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X inactivation is a permanent process.
X inactivation is a permanent process.
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The inactivation center (Xic) is a region on the Y chromosome.
The inactivation center (Xic) is a region on the Y chromosome.
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In humans, having two active X chromosomes is lethal during the embryonic period.
In humans, having two active X chromosomes is lethal during the embryonic period.
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The Xist gene is a long non-coding RNA responsible for X inactivation.
The Xist gene is a long non-coding RNA responsible for X inactivation.
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Xist RNA coats the inactive X chromosome, leading to the silencing of genes in the X chromosome.
Xist RNA coats the inactive X chromosome, leading to the silencing of genes in the X chromosome.
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The Tsix gene prevents X inactivation.
The Tsix gene prevents X inactivation.
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The Xist and Tsix genes are transcribed in the same direction.
The Xist and Tsix genes are transcribed in the same direction.
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A mutation in Tsix can result in the premature inactivation of one of the X chromosomes.
A mutation in Tsix can result in the premature inactivation of one of the X chromosomes.
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Genetic imprinting is used to describe the suppression of an expressible gene.
Genetic imprinting is used to describe the suppression of an expressible gene.
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Genomic imprinting is a permanent change in the DNA sequence.
Genomic imprinting is a permanent change in the DNA sequence.
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What is the primary cause of Prader-Willi syndrome?
What is the primary cause of Prader-Willi syndrome?
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What is the primary cause of Angelman syndrome?
What is the primary cause of Angelman syndrome?
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Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by broad thumbs and toes, short stature, cognitive impairment, and anomalies.
Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by broad thumbs and toes, short stature, cognitive impairment, and anomalies.
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Which gene is most closely associated with the development of Fragile X syndrome?
Which gene is most closely associated with the development of Fragile X syndrome?
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Fragile X syndrome is caused by an increased methylation of the FMR1 gene.
Fragile X syndrome is caused by an increased methylation of the FMR1 gene.
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Individuals with Fragile X syndrome only exhibit physical differences.
Individuals with Fragile X syndrome only exhibit physical differences.
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Anyone with Fragile X syndrome will most likely have the same level of severity in their condition.
Anyone with Fragile X syndrome will most likely have the same level of severity in their condition.
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Flashcards
What is epigenetics?
What is epigenetics?
Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. It's like a switch that controls how a gene behaves, not its actual DNA code.
What is the epigenome?
What is the epigenome?
The epigenome is the collection of chemical modifications that influence gene expression in a cell. It's like a set of instructions for how a gene should be used.
Describe DNA methylation.
Describe DNA methylation.
DNA methylation is a process where a methyl group (CH3 ) attaches to cytosine in DNA. It's like adding a sticky note to a gene, which can silence it and prevent it from being expressed.
What are CpG islands?
What are CpG islands?
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Explain histone acetylation.
Explain histone acetylation.
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What is histone methylation?
What is histone methylation?
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Describe histone deimination.
Describe histone deimination.
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What is histone ubiquitination?
What is histone ubiquitination?
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Explain histone sumoylation.
Explain histone sumoylation.
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What is histone phosphorylation?
What is histone phosphorylation?
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What are non-covalent histone modifications?
What are non-covalent histone modifications?
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What are non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)?
What are non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)?
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What are microRNAs (miRNAs)?
What are microRNAs (miRNAs)?
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What are small interfering RNAs (siRNAs)?
What are small interfering RNAs (siRNAs)?
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What is RNA interference (RNAi)?
What is RNA interference (RNAi)?
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What are DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs)?
What are DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs)?
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What are de novo DNA methyltransferases?
What are de novo DNA methyltransferases?
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What are maintenance DNA methyltransferases?
What are maintenance DNA methyltransferases?
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What is dosage compensation?
What is dosage compensation?
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What is X chromosome inactivation?
What is X chromosome inactivation?
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What is the Barr body?
What is the Barr body?
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What is the X inactivation center (Xic)?
What is the X inactivation center (Xic)?
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What is the Xist gene?
What is the Xist gene?
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What is the Tsix gene?
What is the Tsix gene?
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What is genomic imprinting?
What is genomic imprinting?
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What are imprinting control regions (ICRs)?
What are imprinting control regions (ICRs)?
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What is Prader-Willi syndrome?
What is Prader-Willi syndrome?
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What is Angelman syndrome?
What is Angelman syndrome?
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What is Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome?
What is Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome?
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What is Fragile X syndrome?
What is Fragile X syndrome?
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What is DNA methylation?
What is DNA methylation?
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What is histone acetylation?
What is histone acetylation?
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Study Notes
Epigenetic Mechanisms
- Epigenetics examines changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
- Epigenetic regulation is crucial for development and differentiation.
- Epigenetic mechanisms can be broadly categorized into those that directly influence gene expression (transcriptional) and those that indirectly impact it (post-transcriptional, mRNA silencing).
Mechanisms Directly Controlling Gene Expression
- DNA Methylation: Methylation occurs when a methyl group attaches to cytosine in CpG dinucleotides. This is a common modification, and its impact often results in gene silencing. Methylation frequently occurs at CpG islands, influencing gene expression in a variety of biological processes, including those related to gene activation and inactivation.
- Histone Modifications: These involve covalent changes to histone proteins (e.g., acetylation, methylation, deimination, phosphorylation). Acetylation generally promotes gene expression, while methylation and deimination can either activate or repress it, depending on the specific residue and context. Ubiquitination is another mechanism by which larger molecular changes can be brought to histone structures. Sumoylation, a modification associated with ubiquitination involves the attachment of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) molecules to lysine residues of histones. This is primarily linked to gene repression.
- Chromatin Modifications (Non-Covalent): These encompass interactions with small non-coding RNAs (e.g. miRNA, siRNA), histone exchanges, histone deposition, interactions with other agents (like viruses), chromatin repair, and interactions with chromatin remodeling factors.
Mechanisms Indirectly Controlling Gene Expression
- Post-transcriptional mechanisms primarily involve the inhibition of protein synthesis through the interactions of non-coding RNAs with mRNA. Specific examples include small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA).
DNA Modifications
- DNA Methylation: A significant type of DNA modification, often linked with gene silencing. This occurs at CpG islands, which are short sequences of cytosine and guanine nucleotides.
- CpG Islands: Regions rich in CpG sequences typically associated with actively transcribed genes. In contrast, regions with limited CpG content are often associated with silenced genes.
Histone Modifications
- Histone Acetylation: Acetylation of lysine residues on histones generally promotes gene activation by reducing the DNA-histone attraction. Enzymes like histone acetyltransferase (HAT) introduce acetyl groups.
- Histone Methylation: The addition of methyl groups to histones has variable effects. Mono-, di-, or tri-methylation often alter the binding of proteins to genes, affecting transcriptional activity. Histone methyltransferases (HMTs) add the methyl groups.
- Histone Deimination: This involves the conversion of arginine to citrulline reducing the positive charge. This alteration usually promotes chromatin relaxation and gene expression, but in specific contexts, it can contribute to chromatin compaction.
- Histone Phosphorylation: Phosphates bind to histones through specific amino acids (serine, threonine, tyrosine). This process is reversible, and phosphorylation can influence gene expression depending on the context.
- Histone Ubiquitination: The attachment of ubiquitin in a complex process involving enzymes (E1, E2, and E3), can have diverse outcomes. In essence, it typically leads to chromatin relaxation and gene activation.
- Histone Sumoylation: Sumoylation, the attachment of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins, is a modification mostly linked to gene repression.
Epigenetic Mechanisms and Cancer
- Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, play significant roles in cancer development. They often impact tumor suppressor genes (silencing them) or oncogenes (activating them) leading to uncontrolled cell division and tumor growth. Specific examples include hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes, and the activation of oncogenes by DNA methylation and histone modifications. Genomic instability can be impacted by epigenetic mechanisms, impairing DNA damage repair genes.. Certain epigenetic changes may confer resistance to cancer treatments.
Treatment and Epigenetic Regulation
- Therapies targeting epigenetic changes are gaining prominence. Current approaches include DNA methylation inhibitors (acting on DNA methyltransferases) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, that help regulate gene expression. miRNA therapies are also an emerging area of interest, aiming to correct abnormal miRNA expression.
Epigenetic Events
- Epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression or suppression without modifying the DNA's underlying sequence and play a vital role in several biological processes, including genomic imprinting, gametogenesis, and cellular rejuvenation. Genomic imprinting is a specific type, where the activity of a gene is determined by its parental origin. Notably, some imprinted genes have distinct methylation patterns (correlated to either a maternal or paternal allele's characteristics).
Dosage Compensation (X Chromosome Inactivation)
- Dosage compensation ensures an equal expression level of X chromosomes between males and females. In female mammals, one X chromosome becomes inactive in each cell to equalize the expression level with males. This process is a crucial example of epigenetic control.
X Chromosome Inactivation
- During X chromosome inactivation, a highly condensed structure known as the Barr body forms due to DNA condensation, leading to a silencing of many of the genes carried on the inactive X chromosome. This process is driven by the Xist gene that leads to the X chromosome becoming inactive. Tsix is a second gene that interferes with the formation of the silencing complex.
Xist and Tsix
- Xist and Tsix genes play key roles in the X-chromosome inactivation process; Xist RNA is a key player in silencing the genes on the inactive X chromosome. Tsix functions to prevent X inactivation by overlapping with the Xist gene and transcribing in the opposite direction.
Genetic Imprinting
- Imprinting is a critical epigenetic mechanism with impact on the expression of genes determined by their parental origin, resulting in differential gene expression depending on whether a gene is inherited from the mother or father. In genomic imprinting, certain genes are silenced based on whether they are received from the mother or father. Specific examples include syndromes like Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes that arise from abnormal imprinting on chromosome 15. These conditions are caused, for example, by a deletion in the ICR or the UBE3A gene on chromosome 15.
Fragile X Syndrome
- Errors in DNA methylation can accompany repeat disorders, including fragile X syndrome, characterized by a variety of intellectual and behavioral alterations. The repeat sequence abnormalities associated with Fragile X syndrome can lead to abnormal methylation in the FMR-1 gene, which is related to mRNA transport..
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of epigenetics, where gene expression changes occur without alterations to the DNA sequence. This quiz delves into mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modifications that regulate gene expression during development. Test your knowledge on how these processes play a crucial role in gene silencing and expression.