The DOI matches its Crossref record; 10 of the 10 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
How lifetimes shape epigenotype within and across generations
Abstract
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.
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Cites
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BackgroundEpigenetic inheritance at the agouti locus in the mouse
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BackgroundAn N -ethyl- N -nitrosourea screen for genes involved in variegation in the mouse
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Self-citation
Cited by
Shonkoff, J. P., Boyce, W. T., & McEwen, B. S. (2009) · JAMA · doi:10.1001/jama.2009.754 · Cited by 2,326
(2009) · Cited by 2,013
Stability and flexibility of epigenetic gene regulation in mammalian development
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Epigenetics and the biological definition of gene×environment interactions
Meaney, M. J. (2010) · Child Development · doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2009.01381.x · Cited by 1,239
Nongenetic Inheritance and Its Evolutionary Implications
Bonduriansky, R., & Day, T. (2009) · Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics · doi:10.1146/annurev.ecolsys.39.110707.173441 · Cited by 698
Metadata
- Authors
- Whitelaw, N. C., & Whitelaw, E.
- Venue
- Human Molecular Genetics
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press (OUP)
- Published
- 2006-10-15
- Volume
- 15
- Issue
- suppl_2
- Pages
- R131-R137
- ISSN
- 0964-6906 (ISSN-L)
- 1460-2083
- OpenAlex
- W2125625276
- Cited by
- 181
- References
- 10
- FWCI
- 7.37
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
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