ARS | Publication request: Epigenetic Case Studies in Agricultural Animals

Submitted to: Animal Genetics International Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: April 25, 2008
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: In many biological processes, the regulation of gene expression involves epigenetic mechanisms. An altered pattern of epigenetic modification is central to many animal diseases. Using animal disease models, we have studied one of the major epigenetic components: DNA methylation. We characterized the impacts of tissue types, ages and generations on the DNA methylation status of multiple genes in disease-resistant and susceptible animals. These results indicate that differential levels of DNA methylation of important candidate genes are related to the distinct traits of the animal models and could contribute to their resistance or susceptibility to diseases. We are also probing recent technological advances, which allow epigenetics to be studied at a genome-wide scale. Now it is time to apply epigenomics approaches to animal epigenetics research.