Mechanisms of DNA methylation and histone modifications.

Abstract

The field of genetics has expanded a lot in the past few decades due to the accessibility of human genome sequences, but still, the regulation of transcription cannot be explicated exclusively by the sequence of DNA of an individual. The coordination and crosstalk between chromatin factors which are conserved is indispensable for all living creatures. The regulation of gene expression has been dependent on the methylation of DNA, post-translational modifications of histones, effector proteins, chromatin remodeler enzymes that affect the chromatin structure and function, and other cellular activities such as DNA replication, DNA repair, proliferation and growth. The mutation and deletion of these factors can lead to human diseases. Various studies are being performed to identify and understand the gene regulatory mechanisms in the diseased state. The information from these high throughput screening studies is able to aid the treatment developments based on the epigenetics regulatory mechanisms. This book chapter will discourse on various modifications and their mechanisms that take place on histones and DNA that regulate the transcription of genes.