Epigenetic mechanisms in the context of complex diseases |
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Authors: | J van Vliet N A Oates E Whitelaw |
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Institution: | (1) Division of Population Studies and Human Genetics, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia |
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Abstract: | Complex diseases arise from a combination of heritable and environmental factors. The contribution made by environmental factors
may be mediated through epigenetics. Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that occur without a change in
DNA sequence and are meiotically or mitotically heritable. Such changes in gene expression are achieved through the methylation
of DNA, the post-translational modifications of histone proteins, and RNA-based silencing. Epigenetics has been implicated
in complex diseases such as cancer, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism and systemic lupus erythematosus. The prevalence
and severity of these diseases may be influenced by factors that affect the epigenotype, such as ageing, folate status, in vitro fertilization and our ancestors’ lifestyles. Although our understanding of the role played by epigenetics in complex diseases
remains in its infancy, it has already led to the development of novel diagnostic methods and treatments, which augurs well
for its future health benefits.
Received 6 December 2006; received after revision 29 January 2007; accepted 15 March 2007 |
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Keywords: | Epigenetics DNA methylation histone modifications complex diseases cancer schizophrenia autism systemic lupus erythematosus |
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