Daily Newsletter February 3, 2012
Daily Topic: Epigenetics
Today, we look at epigentetics, the study of changes in gene regulation that does not involve changes to the DNA sequence or classical regulation models. In many cases we are looking at changes to the DNA backbone, issues in coiling, or phase variation. Earlier this week, you were asked to read a review on bacterial epigenetics. Today, you will be writing about this paper.
Before we go on, I do want to bring up the concept of phase variation. This is a critical form of epigenetics that plays a role in pathogenesis. A good example of phase variation comes with Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhoeae has the epitaph of "the gift that keeps on giving," which means that you never gain immunity to gonorrhoeae. If you get it once, you can get it again. The reason for this is a non-mutation change in N.gonorrhoeae's genome which rearranges the genes responsible for producing markers our immune systems sees as antigens. This rearrangement, and thus expression of novel markers, means our immune system never develops memory of this organism. We never develop immunity.
Daily Challenge:
Write about the paper you read on bacterial epigenetics by answering the following questions:
- What was the authors purpose in writing this article?
- How do the authors define/describe epigenetics?
- What are the major epigenetic mechanisms described in the paper?
- Give a one sentence statement about these mechanisms.
- Pick one epigenetic mechanism you find interesting, and explain it in detail.
- How important do you feel the study of epigenetics will be in the next decade? Justify your answer.
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