Epigenetic modifications occur through several mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA-associated gene silencing.
DNA Methylation: The addition of a methyl group to the DNA molecule, usually at cytosine bases in CpG islands. This can repress gene transcription. Histone Modification: The addition or removal of chemical groups to histone proteins, affecting how tightly or loosely DNA is wound around them, thereby regulating gene expression. Non-coding RNAs: These RNA molecules do not code for proteins but can regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.
