epigenetics

epi·ge·net·ics

noun \ˌe-pə-jə-ˈne-tiks\

Definition of EPIGENETICS

: the study of heritable changes in gene function that do not involve changes in DNA sequence

First Known Use of EPIGENETICS

1942

epi·ge·net·ics

noun plural but singular in construction \-iks\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of EPIGENETICS

: the study of how genes produce their effect on the phenotype of the organism

epigenetics

   (Concise Encyclopedia)

The study of the chemical modification of specific genes or gene-associated proteins of an organism. Epigenetic modifications define how genetic information is read and used by cells. Epigenetic modifications can be inherited and are influenced by environmental factors, some of which can induce epigenetic signaling that may contribute to biological processes such as aging. Methylation is the principal epigenetic modification of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and of proteins called histones that package DNA into chromatin inside a cell. Epigenetic modifications influence gene expression and enable the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (cells with the potential to become any of many different kinds of cells) into distinct cell types early in embryological development. The ability to control and alter stem cell differentiation through the manipulation of epigenetic modifications has profound implications for the treatment of conditions such as neurodegenerative disease.