Epigenetic regulation of gene expression in the nervous system

Abstract

The term “epigenetic s” refers to heritable alterations in chromatin structure due to modifications of genomic DNA and histone proteins. Basic insights about epigenetic alterations are derived from investigations of cell division and development. Recently, many neurobiologists have focused on the mechanisms of epigenetic control to link gene expression with behavioral changes in animals because the long-lasting composition of epigenetic modifications is consistent with the characteristics of long-term memories. There are several kinds of epigenetic modifications: (1) cytosine methylation of genomic DNA, (2) acetylation, (3) methylation, and (4) phosphorylation of histones. In this chapter, we reviewed the fundamental techniques for investigating epigenetic status with specific focus on cytosine methylation of genomic DNA. In addition, methods for analyzing histone modifications are also briefl y described. .