Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression

开始时间: 04/22/2022 持续时间: Unknown

课程主页: https://www.coursera.org/course/epigenetics

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课程详情

While the human genome sequence has transformed our understanding of human biology, it isn’t just the sequence of your DNA that matters, but also how you use it! How are some genes activated and others are silenced? How is this controlled? The answer is epigenetics.  

Epigenetics has been a hot topic for research over the past decade as it has become clear that aberrant epigenetic control contributes to disease (particularly to cancer). Epigenetic alterations are heritable through cell division, and in some instances are able to behave similarly to mutations in terms of their stability. Importantly, unlike genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications are reversible and therefore have the potential to be manipulated therapeutically. It has also become clear in recent years that epigenetic modifications are sensitive to the environment (for example diet), which has sparked a large amount of public debate and research.

This course will give an introduction to the fundamentals of epigenetic control. We will examine epigenetic phenomena that are manifestations of epigenetic control in several organisms, with a focus on mammals. We will examine the interplay between epigenetic control and the environment and finally the role of aberrant epigenetic control in disease.

课程大纲

Introduction to epigenetics

Epigenetic modifications and their function in regulating gene expression and chromosome structure

DNA methylation, covalent histone modifications, histone variants, chromatin structure, noncoding RNAs and 3D organisation of the nucleus

Epigenetic phenomena in lower organisms

Position effect variegation, dosage compensation, paramutation

Mammalian epigenetics

Epigenetic reprogramming, genomic imprinting, X inactivation

Epigenetic deregulation in disease

Rett syndrome, ICF syndrome, Imprinting disorders, cancer

Epigenetics and the environment (diet, maternal environment, maternal care)

The Agouti viable yellow allele in mice, maternal care in rats, Dutch famine in humans

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