GENET 234 - EPIGENETICS

[3 Credits]

This course will examine epigenetic phenomena such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, genomic imprinting, and epigenetic reporgramming in embryonic stem cells and cloning. Emphasis will be placed on how loss of proper epigenetic control leads to human disease. By the end of the course, students should understand the differences between genetic and epigenetic influences on gene expression, the range of epigenetic mechanisms used by different eukaryotic organisms to regulate gene expression, how epigenetic modifications are propagated, and the phenotypic consequences of epigenetic regulation.