Chromosomes are macromolecular polymers
that undergo continuous alterations in structure and organization, which can
influence gene expression. These physical variations can be attributed to DNA
methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodelling complexes, and the
association of non-coding RNA molecules. Irregular patterns of inheritance that
cannot be accounted for by changes in DNA sequence are often caused by
epigenetic mechanisms. This course begins with a discussion of the histone
code, chromatin associated proteins, the formation and maintenance of
heterochromatin, experimental methods, and model organisms. This is followed by
discussions of the role of epigenetics in biological phenomena such as
imprinting, X-inactivation, cellular identity, cellular reprogramming,
tumorigenesis, and the onset of certain types of neurological disorders.
