Epigenetics 2012

Epigenetics refers to the study of heritable changes in gene expression that occur without a change in DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms are multifaceted and complex, and they provide an additional layer of transcriptional control to regulate how genes are expressed. As researchers continue to decipher the roles of DNA, RNA, proteins, and environment in inheritance, the increased understanding of gene regulation and cellular differentiation from embryogenesis to aging will reveal therapeutic interventions as well as diagnostic and prognostic tools for disease.