Abstract
Epigenetics is defined as alterations in RNA transcript expression, or the phenotype of the cell, that are caused by mechanisms other than changes in the associated DNA sequence. This chapter focuses on the general process of gene transcription. It also discusses how epigenetics intervenes in this process, the heritability of cognitive performance, as well as relations between cognition and DNA methylation, histone and chromatin changes, and micro RNAs. In addition, also summarized here is the current state of knowledge surrounding the role of epigenetics in the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Highlighted are the complex regulatory networks at play in the healthy and diseased nervous system, and the tenet that the research findings are promising and suggest new therapeutic avenues.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | The Maze Book |
Subtitle of host publication | Theories, Practice, and Protocols for Testing Rodent Cognition |
Publisher | Springer New York |
Pages | 285-298 |
Number of pages | 14 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781493921591 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781493921584 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 10 2015 |
Keywords
- Animal model
- Behavior
- Brain
- DNA
- Disease
- Epigenetics
- Genetic
- Learning
- Memory
- Mutation
- Neurodegeneration
- Pathology
- RNA
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Agricultural and Biological Sciences