Epigenetics

• Epigenetic modifications can also include histone phosphorylation, which affects chromatin structure and gene activity.
• Increased methylation inhibits transcription from occurring in the DNA
• The role of DNA methylation includes regulating gene expression, maintaining genome stability, and preventing abnormal cell growth.
• Methylation patterns are established early in development through processes such as imprinting, X-chromosome inactivation, and genomic imprinting.
• DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that involves adding a methyl group to cytosine bases in CG dinucleotides, typically by enzymes called DNA methyltransferases (DNMT). This process occurs mainly during embryonic development but continues throughout life.
• DNA methylation is involved in various biological processes such as embryonic development, aging, and cancer.