How Do Epigenetic Modifications Affect Transcriptional Regulation?
Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation, play a significant role in transcriptional regulation. DNA methylation typically represses gene expression by preventing the binding of transcription factors, whereas histone acetylation usually promotes gene expression by loosening the chromatin structure, making it more accessible to the transcriptional machinery. These modifications are heritable and can be influenced by environmental factors, adding another layer of control over gene expression in tissues.
