Epigenetics Glossary
25 essential terms — because precise language is the foundation of clear thinking in Epigenetics.
Showing 25 of 25 terms
An oxidized form of 5-methylcytosine produced by TET enzymes, serving as an intermediate in active demethylation.
A methylated form of cytosine in DNA, the primary epigenetic mark in DNA methylation.
The condensed, transcriptionally inactive X chromosome visible in the nucleus of female mammalian cells.
A chromatin region carrying both activating and repressive histone marks, found at developmental gene promoters in stem cells.
The complex of DNA, histone proteins, and associated molecules that packages genetic material in the eukaryotic nucleus.
The dynamic restructuring of chromatin by ATP-dependent complexes that alter nucleosome positioning and DNA accessibility.
A cytosine followed by a guanine in the DNA sequence, connected by a phosphodiester bond. The primary site of DNA methylation.
A region of DNA with high CG dinucleotide frequency, typically unmethylated and found near gene promoters.
An enzyme that catalyzes the addition of methyl groups to cytosine bases in DNA.
A mechanism ensuring equal expression of X-linked genes between sexes, achieved through X-inactivation in mammals.
A regulatory DNA element that can increase transcription of a target gene, often marked by H3K4me1 and H3K27ac histone modifications.
The gradual divergence of epigenetic patterns over time, contributing to differences between identical twins as they age.
The complete set of epigenetic modifications across the entire genome of a cell.
Open, loosely packed chromatin associated with active gene transcription.
Epigenetic marking of genes for parent-of-origin-specific expression.
An enzyme that removes acetyl groups from histones, leading to chromatin condensation and transcriptional repression.
Densely packed chromatin associated with gene silencing and structural functions at centromeres and telomeres.
The hypothesis that specific combinations of histone modifications constitute a code that determines chromatin state and gene expression.
The N-terminal extension of histone proteins that protrudes from the nucleosome and is subject to various post-translational modifications.
A regulatory DNA element that controls the allele-specific expression of imprinted genes through differential methylation.
An RNA molecule longer than 200 nucleotides that does not encode protein but regulates gene expression, often through epigenetic mechanisms.
A small non-coding RNA (~22 nucleotides) that regulates gene expression post-transcriptionally by binding to complementary sequences in target mRNAs.
The fundamental unit of chromatin, consisting of DNA wrapped around a histone protein octamer.
A family of proteins that form repressive complexes (PRC1, PRC2) and maintain gene silencing through histone modification.
The principal biological methyl donor, providing methyl groups for DNA and histone methylation reactions.