Epigenetics definition

Epigenetics literally means “above genetics” (Waterland, 2006, p. 1706S) and may be defined as, “All meiotically and mitotically heritable changes in gene expression [the process by which DNA sequencing is transformed into the structure and functioning of a cell] that are not coded in the DNA sequence itself” (Egger, Liang, Aparicio & Jones, 2004, p. 457).
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Epigenetics means different things to different life scientists. Most agree that this term generally refers to the processes whereby stressors lead to altered gene expression and modified phenotype, typically through DNA methylation, histone modification and/or the actions of small RNAs. However, many life scientists focus on the phenotypic modifications that occur during a single animal’s lifetime, especially because such effects are often maladaptive (e.g. the “epigenetics of cancer”). Less emphasis has been placed on epigenetic inheritance of modified molecular, morphological or physiological phenotypes across generations. Such phenotypic modifications can be maladaptive, but can also be highly adaptive, enhancing survival in the face of dynamic environmental stressors. This presentation reviews some of the key studies examining the epigenetic inheritance of modified phenotypes in fishes as a response to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other pollutants released from oil spills.
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Examples of Epigenetics in a sentence

  • Epigenetics in cancer: implications for early detection and prevention.

  • A total of 65 pages were omitted.[**] [**] Alliance Enhances Epizyme’s Leadership in Oncology Epigenetics CAMBRIDGE, Mass.

  • Epigenetics can be defined as the ensemble of processes that alter gene activity without changing the DNA sequence and which can be heritable and also reversible (▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ 2006).

  • The MPI of Immunobiology and Epigenetics of the MPG is organizing the following event in the period from 04.- 06.

  • The manuscripts will be reviewed by BCCA and Recipient will use the following acknowledgment: "The results published here are in whole or part based upon data generated by The Canadian Epigenetics, Epigenomics, Environment and Health Research Consortium (CEEHRC) initiative funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Genome BC, and Genome Quebec.

  • Epigenetics is primarily defined as heritable changes in gene expression that cannot be explained by alterations in genetic coding sequence.

  • Thanks to a transformative gift from the Sackler Foundation, the Faculty of Medicine has established the Sackler Program in Developmental Psychobiology and Epigenetics.

  • In addition, the Recipient will acknowledge the source of the Data by including language similar to the following either in the acknowledgment or in the text of the manuscript: "The results published here are in whole or part based upon data generated by The Canadian Epigenetics, Epigenomics, Environment and Health Research Consortium (CEEHRC) initiative funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Genome BC, and Genome Quebec.

  • Grammars of Kinship: Biological Motherhood and Assisted Reproduction in the Age of Epigenetics.