Linked Life Data

16987876

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/16987876

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:dateCreated
2006-9-21
pubmed:abstractText
Despite our detailed characterization of the human genome at the level of the primary DNA sequence, we are still far from understanding the molecular events underlying phenotypic variation. Epigenetic modifications to the DNA sequence and associated chromatin are known to regulate gene expression and, as such, are a significant contributor to phenotype. Studies of inbred mice and monozygotic twins show that variation in the epigenotype can be seen even between genetically identical individuals and that this, in some cases at least, is associated with phenotypic differences. Moreover, recent evidence suggests that the epigenome can be influenced by the environment and these changes can last a lifetime. However, we also know that epigenetic states in real-time are in continual flux and, as a result, the epigenome exhibits instability both within and across generations. We still do not understand the rules governing the establishment and maintenance of the epigenotype at any particular locus. The underlying DNA sequence itself and the sequence at unlinked loci (modifier loci) are certainly involved. Recent support for the existence of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals suggests that the epigenetic state of the locus in the previous generation may also play a role. Over the next decade, many of these processes will be better understood, heralding a greater capacity for us to correlate measurable molecular marks with phenotype and providing the opportunity for improved diagnosis and presymptomatic healthcare.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Oct
pubmed:issn
0964-6906
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:day
15
pubmed:volume
15 Spec No 2
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
R131-7
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2006
pubmed:articleTitle
How lifetimes shape epigenotype within and across generations.
pubmed:affiliation
Division of Population Studies and Human Genetics, The Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane 4006, Australia.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't