Mechanisms, Development and Disease

Epigenetic phenomena have long baffled biologists, comprising cases in which genes or gene products display variable and often unpredictable patterns of expression that cannot be explained by mutations. Some epigenetic phenomena occur as part of normal development, including mechanisms for balancing the expression of genes on sex chromosomes whose dosage differs in males and females, or mechanisms that limit expression of genes inherited from one parent or the other. However, other epigenetic phenomena are stochastic, yet stable, leading to changes that are strongly implicated in disease states, including cancer. Most epigenetic phenomena are chromosomal in nature and involve gene silencing caused by chemical modifications of the DNA or the chromatin proteins that organize the DNA. Some of these modifications can be modulated by environmental influences, including diet or environmental toxins, and can affect gene-expression states for multiple generations. Other epigenetic phenomena involve shape-shifting proteins that can convert to a so-called prion state and cause identical proteins in the cell to change shape as well.

Because the study of epigenetics explores scientific realms beyond the determination of chromosome sequences of model organisms, it is one of the most exciting and fastest growing research areas within the fields of genetics and developmental biology. Remarkable progress elucidating the molecular mechanisms behind epigenetic gene regulation has been made in the past few years. The diverse mechanisms that contribute to epigenetic processes include DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, DNA elimination and rearrangements, protein-protein interactions, RNA-mediated gene silencing, physical interactions among genes and the three-dimensional organization of chromosomes within the nucleus. At the 2011 Epigenetics Gordon Research Conference, leading researchers from around the world will discuss these, and many other, aspects of epigenetic regulation in diverse species, including mammals, plants, fungi, ciliates, worms and insects.