An Epigenetic Perspective of Gene Expression: The Regulatory Tools

Epigenetic control synergizes with DNA encoded regulatory information to provide a blueprint for gene expression that supports biological processes including phenotype, proliferation, growth control, metabolic regulation, cell survival, and immune function. Epigenetic regulation, non-DNA encoded regulatory information, mediates the selective expression and suppression of transcription in a phenotypically responsive manner. Parameters of epigenetic control are post-translational histone modifications, DNA methylation, mitotic gene bookmarking, nucleosome structure, and higher order chromatin organization. Epigenetically compromised gene expression is functionally linked to the onset and progression of diseases that include cancer. Epigenetic targeting strategies have the potential for cancer therapy with enhanced specificity and reduced off-target consequences.