Summary
Genome-wide mapping of DNA methylation and histone marks that regulate gene activity.
In depth
ChIP-seq maps histone marks and transcription factors; bisulphite sequencing maps methylation; ATAC-seq shows open chromatin. Epigenetic clocks estimate biological age from methylation.
Epigenome-wide association studies relate methylation to exposures and disease. Cell-type heterogeneity must be considered. Editing tools (dCas9 fused to modifiers) rewrite marks at chosen loci.
Key idea: the epigenome varies between cell types despite identical DNA.
Epigenomics maps heritable changes that regulate genes without altering the DNA sequence. DNA methylation, typically at CpG sites, usually silences genes; histone modifications such as acetylation open chromatin, while methylation can open or close it, depending on position.
Methods include bisulfite sequencing, ChIP-seq and ATAC-seq. Epigenetic patterns differ between cell types, change with age (the epigenetic clock) and in cancer, and can be influenced by environment. Projects such as ENCODE and Roadmap Epigenomics catalogue them.
Example: imprinted genes are expressed from only one parental allele.
Key idea: epigenetic drugs target enzymes that add or remove marks.
Frequently asked questions
What is Epigenomics?
Genome-wide mapping of DNA methylation and histone marks that regulate gene activity.
Which area of biology covers Epigenomics, and how advanced is it?
Epigenomics is one of the 56 topics in Biotechnology & Genomics. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Genomics, CRISPR Base and Prime Editing, DNA Sequencing.
Can you give an example of Epigenomics?
Methylation patterns can classify tumour types.
What should I learn before Epigenomics?
Work through the Beginner topics in Biotechnology & Genomics first, such as Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Selective Breeding, then return to Epigenomics. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Epigenomics?
The closest topics to Epigenomics are Genomics, CRISPR Base and Prime Editing, DNA Sequencing, Functional Genomics. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Epigenomics?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Epigenomics. To practise the whole of Biotechnology & Genomics, use the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz.
How is Epigenomics different from Genomics?
Epigenomics: Genome-wide mapping of DNA methylation and histone marks that regulate gene activity. Genomics: Study of the full set of genes of an organism and how they interact. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Epigenomics step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Genomics and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.