Epigenetic code: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 12:33, 3 December 2011

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The '''epigenetic code''' is hypothesised to be a defining code in every [[eukaryotic]] [[Cell (biology)|cell]] consisting of the specific [[epigenetic]] modification in each cell. It consists of histone modifications defined by the [[histone code]] and additional epigenetic modifications such as [[DNA methylation]]. The base for the epigenetic code is a system above the [[genetic code]] of a single cell. While in one individual the genetic code in each cell is the same, the epigenetic code is tissue and cell specific <ref>{{cite journal |author=Turner B |title=Defining an epigenetic code |journal=Nat Cell Biol |volume=9 |issue=1 |pages=2–6 |year=2007 |pmid=17199124 |doi=10.1038/ncb0107-2}}</ref>. The epigenetic code can be multidimensional in nature. It could include any of the three major cellular macromolecucles; namely, DNA (code independent), RNA, and/or protein. In some ciliates potential structural codes have also been suggested <ref>Chahwan R., Wontakal S.N., and Roa S. (2011). "The multidimensional nature of epigenetic information and its role in disease." Discovery Medicine, Mar;11(58):233-43. PMID: 21447282 [http://www.discoverymedicine.com/Richard-Chahwan/2011/03/17/the-multidimensional-nature-of-epigenetic-information-and-its-role-in-disease/].</ref>.

== See also ==