Epigenetics

Background

The study of epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation is of great importance for biomedical research and clinical applications. Epigenetic gene regulation is mediated by secondary modifications of DNA and chromatin, with DNA methylation and histone modifications being key players. Together with non-coding RNAs, these reversible modifications build an intricate network of molecular markers for proper genome regulation. Epigenetic modifications can be heritable over cell divisions. Environmental factors can influence the epigenetic patterns and lead to lasting effects of cell functions.

Epigenomics

During the development of a multicellular organism, epigenetic programs are established in a cell-type specific manner. In conjunction with transcription factors, developmental programs are established that are closely intertwined with epigenetic modifications, which stabilize these programs. From the universal genome of each cell of a multicellular organism, several hundred cell- and development-specific epigenomes are created, which are stably inherited through cell divisions. Modern methods of DNA sequencing together with advanced bioinformatics make it possible to create high-resolution, base-pair resolved epigenomic maps for functional interpretation. Epigenome research is interdisciplinary and brings together teams of clinicians, experimentalists, and bioinformaticians.

Clinical Epigenetics

Knowledge and diagnostic use of epigenetic changes are of central importance for human medicine. Diseased cells exhibit characteristic epigenetic changes that allow for individual molecular diagnosis down to the level of individual cells. Thus, epigenetic signatures represent a special class of modern biomarkers for personalized medicine. In addition to this diagnostic component, epigenetic mechanisms also offer new targets for therapeutic interventions at the level of gene regulation.

For further information on the topic of epigenetics, please see refer to Links and the website http://epigenetics.uni-saarland.de.

You can also find introductory information on epigenetic research and teaching in our contribution to the Virtual Open Day 2020.