Epigenetics 2011

For years scientists have known that biological fate is not regulated solely by DNA sequence; super ordinate regulatory mechanisms exist and contribute to determine the function of genes. Intense research has shown that these mechanisms, broadly defined as epigenetics, are multifaceted and complex. As researchers continue to decipher the roles of DNA, RNA, proteins, and environment in inheritance, the increased understanding of gene regulation and cellular differentiation from embryogenesis to aging will reveal therapeutic interventions as well as diagnostic and prognostic tools for disease.