Epigenetic inheritance: uncontested?

Cell Res. 2011 Mar;21(3):435-41. doi: 10.1038/cr.2011.26. Epub 2011 Feb 15.

Abstract

"Epigenetics" is currently defined as "the inheritance of variation (-genetics) above and beyond (epi-) changes in the DNA sequence". Despite the fact that histones are believed to carry important epigenetic information, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of the inheritance of histone-based epigenetic information, including histone modifications and histone variants. Here we review recent progress and discuss potential models for the mitotic inheritance of histone modifications-based epigenetic information.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Histones / genetics
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Methylation
  • Mitosis
  • Models, Genetic

Substances

  • Histones