Epigenetics Overview

Epigenetic regulation refers to mechanisms whereby DNA, RNA, and proteins are chemically or structurally modified, and these modifications play critical roles in regulation of numerous cellular processes such as gene expression, DNA replication, and recombination without changing the primary DNA, RNA, or protein sequence. Some common types of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms include DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and regulation by small and long non-coding RNAs. While these epigenetic modifications can be very stable and passed on to multiple generations, they can also be dynamically induced in response to specific cellular conditions or environmental stimuli. When epigenetic mechanisms are misregulated, the result can be detrimental to health and can lead to cancer, neurological disorders, and developmental abnormalities.

In recent years, epigenetics has exploded into one of the most exciting and rapidly expanding fields in biology. Zymo Research has grown with it, becoming The Epigenetics Company™. Zymo Research understands the need for high-quality and reliable products for epigenetics research, and we offer an extensive line of products, kits, and genome-wide services to facilitate investigations into epigenetic regulation of cellular processes. We are committed to continue meeting the needs of epigenetic researchers into the future.