Role of Epigenetic Regulation in Development and Disease

Abstract

Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in controlling gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. This paper examines the significance of epigenetic mechanisms in development, cellular differentiation, and disease. Processes such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA activity influence how genes are activated or silenced across different cell types.
The paper discusses how epigenetic patterns are established during development and maintained through cell division. Environmental factors such as diet, stress, and exposure to toxins can modify epigenetic marks, linking external conditions to biological outcomes. Dysregulation of epigenetic processes has been associated with cancer, neurological disorders, and metabolic diseases.
Advances in epigenetic research have opened new avenues for diagnosis and therapy, including epigenetic biomarkers and targeted treatments. The paper concludes that epigenetics is a fundamental component of life sciences, bridging genetics, environment, and disease biology.