Introduction: Epigenetics

Introduction to theme "Chromatin, epigenetics, and transcription".

Transcriptional regulation in eukaryotes depends on a complex network of interactions between RNA polymerases and a host of transcription factors and coregulators that control their activity during transcription initiation and elongation. Among these are an enormous variety of enzymes and proteins that modulate chromatin structure via changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and nucle...

Epigenetics and periconception environment: an introduction.

Nowadays, epigenetics is a term that is used everywhere, in science and in the popular press. But, what is meant by epigenetics? Why is it always linked with pregnancy and environmental influences? What is meant by reprogramming and prenatal programming? Can a pregnant mother really influence the health of her offspring and what about the role of the father? Is assisted reproductive technology ...

Introduction to the Special Section on Epigenetics.

Epigenetics provides the opportunity to revolutionize our understanding of the role of genetics and the environment in explaining human behavior, although the use of epigenetics to study human behavior is just beginning. In this introduction, the authors present the basics of epigenetics in a way that is designed to make this exciting field accessible to a wide readership. The authors describe ...

Drugs and addiction: an introduction to epigenetics.

Addiction is a debilitating psychiatric disorder, with a complex aetiology involving the interaction of inherited predispositions and environmental factors. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic alterations to the genome, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are important mechanisms underlying addiction and the neurobiological response to addictive substances. In this revie...

Epigenetics and Orofacial Clefts: A Brief Introduction.