EPIGENETIC ALTERATION Meaning and
Definition
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Epigenetic alteration refers to changes in gene expression patterns and cellular behavior that are not caused by alterations in the underlying DNA sequence itself. It refers to modifications to the structure and function of DNA and its associated proteins, including chemical marks and three-dimensional organization, that can influence gene activity without changing the genetic code.
Epigenetic alterations play a crucial role in regulating gene expression during development and in response to environmental stimuli. They can occur naturally or may be influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, stress, toxins, and aging. These modifications can be inherited across generations or can occur within an individual's lifetime and affect the individual's susceptibility to diseases and disorders.
Common epigenetic alterations include DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA molecules. DNA methylation involves the attachment of methyl groups to specific regions of DNA, typically resulting in the repression of gene expression. Histone modifications, on the other hand, refer to changes in the proteins that help package DNA into a compact structure, thereby controlling whether genes are accessible for transcription. Non-coding RNAs can also impact gene expression by interacting with DNA or RNA molecules and modulating their activity.
Understanding epigenetic alterations is important in fields such as genetics, developmental biology, and medicine, as it can provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and metabolic conditions. Epigenetic alterations also offer potential therapeutic targets by allowing researchers to modulate gene expression patterns without directly altering the underlying DNA sequence.
Etymology of EPIGENETIC ALTERATION
The term "epigenetic alteration" comes from the combination of two different roots:
1. "Epigenetic": It is derived from the Greek words "epi" meaning "above" or "upon", and "genetics" referring to "genes" or "heredity". Epigenetics explores changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence. It refers to modifications that can turn genes "on" or "off" without altering the DNA sequence itself.
2. "Alteration": It is derived from the Latin word "alterare" meaning "to change" or "to make different". In the context of epigenetics, alteration indicates modifications or changes to gene expression patterns that occur without affecting the DNA sequence.
