Epigenetics

Course unit title

Scientific direction

Scientific code

Faculty

Department (s)

Epigenetics

Biochemistry N 004

Biology N 010

Life Sciences Center

Institute of Biosciences

Institute of Biochemistry

Total number of credits

Mode of studies

Number of credits

Mode of studies

Number of credits

Lectures

0

Consultations

0

Self-studies

10

Seminars

0

Aims of course

To deepen knowledge on epigenetic mechanisms and phenomena. Aims to educate: 1) ability to select proper information and data bases for knowledge deepening in the field of epigenetics; 2) ability to systematize, interpret, and analyze new research data and information; 3) ability to apply the knowledge to fulfil practical tasks in research, clinical or bioindustrial activities.

Main topics

DNA methylation. DNA methyltransferases (writers), methyl group donors, DNA methylation readers; DNA demethylation (erasers), DNA hydroxymethylation.

Histone modification. Histone acetylation; methylation; phosphorylation; histone variants. Chromatin remodelling, ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling complexes: SWI/SNF2, ISWI, CHD, INO80 and others.

Noncoding RNA. Short noncoding RNA (miRNA, siRNA, piRNA) and their functions. Long noncoding RNA and their functions.

Epigenetic regulation. Epigenetic marks of active and inactive chromatin, epigenetic marks of promoters and enhancers, chromatin barriers, architecture of centromeric and telomeric chromatin. Mobile genome elements. Mobile genome elements and inactivation mechanisms.

Epigenetic phenomena. Epigenetic inheritance, twin-based epigenetic inheritance research; transgenerational effects. Epigenetic reprogramming: epigenetic regulation of embryo development, epigenetic regulation of cell differentiation; epigenetic profile of stem cells, bivalent promoters, polycomb group proteins. Genomic imprinting. X chromosome inactivation, chromosomal position effect, paramutation.

Species-specific epigenetic regulation. Variation of DNA methylation mechanisms: DNA methylation in bacteria, yeast, drosophila, C. elegans, mouse, plats. RNA-dependent DNA methylation. Variation of chromatin modification mechanisms: yeast, drosophila, plants. Noncoding RNA: yeast, C. elegans, plants.

Epigenetics and health. Epigenetic syndromes. Nutrition and epigenome. Senescence and epigenetics. Cancer epigenetics. Epigenetics of immune response. Epigenetic regulation in CNS. Behavioural epigenetics.

Methods of analysis of DNA methylation, histone modification, miRNA expression. Epigenetic drugs, epigenetic treatment strategies.

Main literature

• Human Epigenetics: How Science Works. Edited by C. Carlberg and F. Molnár. 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG
• Clinical Epigenetics. Edited by L. B. Hesson and A. L. Pritchard.2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG
• Chemical Epigenetics. Edited by A. Mai. 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG
• Epigenetic Advancements in Cancer. Edited by M. K. Mishra and K. S. Bishnupuri. 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland.
• Craig J.M. and Wong N.C. Epigenetics: a reference manual. Caister Academic Press; 1st edition, 2011.450 p. Tollefsbol T. Handbook of Epigenetics. The new molecular and medical genetics. Academic Press, Elsevier; 2011. 624 p.
• Tollefsbol T. Epigenetics in Human Disease. Academic Press, Elsevier; 2012. 592 p.

Assessment strategy

Assessment criteria

 Exam or seminar

Basic knowledge and ability to systematize novel data must be demonstrated during the exam. Max 3 open questions or 45 min. long oral presentation during open seminar at the LSC.

Sonata Jarmalaitė

Approved by the Council of Doctoral School of Life Sciences Center No (4.10)600000-KT-… on the 14th of October 2021

Chairman dr. Daiva Baltriukienė