Bioinformatics Solutions for Epigenetics

The Role of Bioinformatics in Epigenetics

Epigenetics is an upcoming field that studies the gene regulation of mitotically heritable genes which change the physiology of cells without altering the DNA sequence. Various epigenetic elements such as modification of histone proteins, methylation of DNA, chromatin modeling, and RNA-mediating silencing influence the regulation of genes at many levels, which leads to diseases such as cancer. All of these factors modulate gene expression in a tissue-specific manner.

Bioinformatics is a successful approach in the field of molecular biology for studying epigenomics data. To generate these epigenomic data which can be analyzed using various bioinformatics tools and software, a variety of technologies are being used by researchers.

Download PDF Brochure of Study, Click Here!

Many biological databases which store a huge amount of information related to the modifications due to epigenetics are available online. With the help of these data, we can identify key target genes that can be manipulated to achieve some resistance against diseases caused by epigenetic factors.

RNA transcripts

Sometimes a gene, after being turned on, transcribes a product that (directly or indirectly) maintains the activity of that gene. For example, Hnf4 and MyoD enhance the transcription of many liver-specific and muscle-specific genes, respectively, including their own, through the transcription factor activity of the proteins they encode.

MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are members of non-coding RNAs that range in size from 17 to 25 nucleotides. miRNAs regulate a large variety of biological functions in plants and animals.So far, in 2013, about 2000 miRNAs have been discovered in humans and these can be found online in a miRNA database.

Histone Modifications

When the chromatin structure is highly compact, the efficient recruitment and processivity of RNA Polymerase II (Pol Il) is impeded and transcription is thus hindered . The dysregulation of histone post-translational modification alters the chromatin structure and induces abnormal gene expression, which is correlated with the occurrence and development of diseases, especially cancers. Modifications of all four histones have been reported, but those affecting H3 and H4 are best understood . Among these histone modifications, the regulatory role and function of acetylation and methylation have been studied most intensively.

Want to know more about Bioinformatics Solutions for Epigenetics..??

Get full information and PDF sample of Bioinformatics Solutions for Epigenetics

Source: theinsightpartners