This course is a part of a series of bioinformatics modules designed to introduce biologists to analysis of various omics data types. Learn more: https://learn.omicslogic.com

Epigenetics refers to mechanisms of gene expression regulation that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence. At least three systems including DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) are considered to play fundamental roles in epigenetic regulation.

Epigenetic regulations play an important role in a variety of human disorders and diseases. In addition, age, environment, lifestyle, and other factors influence epigenetic states.

Epigenetic regulation of gene expression has been linked to discrete mechanisms that affect the stability, folding, positioning, and organization of DNA. The most studied of these mechanisms includes DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling, which work synergistically to organize the genome into transcriptionally active and inactive zones.

To better understand the bioinformatics approaches to studying the epigenetic changes in cells, it is firts important to understand the biology and the molecular assays that are used in researching these regulatory mechanisms.

0:00 Introduction
2:34 Epigenetics is
2:48 On the Way From Code to Function
3:45 The Epigenome: DNA
4:37 DNA Methylation
6:11 Histone Modification
7:42 Chromatin Packing
8:23 What Regions can be Affected?
9:02 1. ChIP-Seq: Immunoprecipitation
10:15 Analytical challenges: ChIP-seq
11:11 2. Whole Genome Bisulfate Sequencing
11:30 Analytical challenges: WGBS