Mechanisms controlling gene expression and interaction during development that do not depend on changes in DNA sequence.
Referring to development of an organism by gradual production and organisation of its different parts from a single undifferentiated, fertilised egg. Referring to influences on cell development that arise from factors other than genetic instructions.
Having to do with the chemical attachments to DNA or the histone proteins around which it coils. Epigenetic marks change the pattern of genes expressed in a given cell or tissue by amplifying or muting the effect of a gene, but do not alter the actual DNA sequence. Unlike mutations to DNA sequence, epigenetic modifications are typically reversible. Epigenetic markers include acetyl groups, methyl groups, phosphate groups and the peptide ubiquitin. Tumor cells often contain epigenetic abnormalities.
Influencing the expression of genes, but not inherent in the genotype.
A change in phenotype brought about by changes in gene regulation rather than by a change in genotype.
A factor or mechanism that changes the expression of a gene or genes without changing their DNA sequence. In more general terms, an epigenetic factor is something that changes the phenotype without changing the genotype.
A term describing nonmutational phenomena, such as methylation and histone modification, that modify the expression of a gene.
Relating to, being, or involving changes in gene function that do not involve changes in DNA sequence. Epigenesis is the development of an animal from an egg through a series of processes in which unorganized cell masses differentiate into organs and organ systems. See also: Gene Function.