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PMID: 20535201 Published · ppublish English Journal Article Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Epigenetics as a unifying principle in the aetiology of complex traits and diseases.

Nature ·Vol. 465 ·No. 7299 ·2010-06-10 ·Pages 721-7

Petronis A

Abstract

Epigenetic modifications of DNA and histones might be crucial for understanding the molecular basis of complex phenotypes. One reason for this is that epigenetic factors are sometimes malleable and plastic enough to react to cues from the external and internal environments. Such induced epigenetic changes can be solidified and propagated during cell division, resulting in permanent maintenance of the acquired phenotype. In addition, the finding that there is partial epigenetic stability in somatic and germline cells allows insight into the molecular mechanisms of heritability. Epigenetics can provide a new framework for the search of aetiological factors in complex traits and diseases.

MeSH Terms
Biological Evolution Disease Environment Epigenesis, Genetic/genetics Humans Inheritance Patterns/genetics Models, Genetic Phenotype Twins/genetics
Authors & Affiliations
1 authors, click to expand affiliations / ORCID
Petronis Arturas
The Krembil Family Epigenetics Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada. [email protected]
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Article Info
Journal
Nature
Abbr.
Nature
ISSN
1476-4687
DOI
10.1038/nature09230
Email
[email protected]
Published
2010-06-10
Pages
721-7
Language
English
Region
England
NLM ID
0410462
Subset
IM
Grants
Canadian Institutes of Health Research · 186007 · Canada
Canadian Institutes of Health Research · 199170 · Canada
NIDDK NIH HHS · DP3DK085698 · United States
NHGRI NIH HHS · HG004535 · United States
NIMH NIH HHS · MH074127 · United States
NIMH NIH HHS · MH088413 · United States
External Links
PubMed source DOI: 10.1038/nature09230 View journal details
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