Journal Article

The molecular hallmarks of epigenetic control

Jenuwein, Thomas, Allis, C. David

2016

Overview

Over the past few decades, epigenetics has evolved from a collection of curious biological phenomena to a functionally dissected research field. In this article, the authors provide a personal perspective on the advances of research into epigenetics — from its historical origins to its modern era — with a focus on molecular breakthroughs. Over the past 20 years, breakthrough discoveries of chromatin-modifying enzymes and associated mechanisms that alter chromatin in response to physiological or pathological signals have transformed our knowledge of epigenetics from a collection of curious biological phenomena to a functionally dissected research field. Here, we provide a personal perspective on the development of epigenetics, from its historical origins to what we define as 'the modern era of epigenetic research'. We primarily highlight key molecular mechanisms of and conceptual advances in epigenetic control that have changed our understanding of normal and perturbed development.

• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group UK,Nature Publishing Group
• Subject: 631/337/100 / 631/337/100/2286 / 631/337/176 / 631/337/176/1988 / Agriculture / Animal Genetics and Genomics / Animals / Biomedicine / Cancer Research / Carcinogenesis / Cellular signal transduction / Chromatin - genetics / DNA Methylation / Enzymes / Epigenesis, Genetic - genetics / Epigenetic inheritance / Epigenetics / Gene expression / Gene Function / Genetic aspects / Genetic engineering / Genetic research / Health aspects / Human Genetics / Humans / Physiology / timeline / Yeast