Klinische implicaties van epigenetische veranderingen

• Inherited and acquired changes in DNA can influence the coding for gene products (proteins). When the function of a protein is disturbed, this may lead to disease.
• DNA in chromatin can be condensed or be arranged in an open structure. The activity of genes is significantly affected by the accessibility to DNA by transcription factors and other proteins involved in the transcription of genes.
• The accessibility of DNA is regulated by epigenetic processes, including methylation of cytosine. In these circumstances the nucleic sequence of the DNA does not change. Nevertheless, disturbances of these processes can also culminate in disease.
• Epigenetic changes to DNA are reversible. This offers opportunities for treatment and recovery in conditions that are a result of disturbed epigenetic processes.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.