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Does Methylation increase gene Expression?

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  Methylation , the transfer of a methyl group (―CH3) to an organic compound. Methyl groups may be transferred through addition reactions or substitution reactions; in either case, the methyl group takes the place of a hydrogen atom on the compound. ... Biological methylation occurs in various ways. Presently, the exact role of methylation in gene expression is unknown, but it appears that proper DNA methylation is essential for cell differentiation and embryonic development. Moreover, in some cases, methylation has observed to play a role in mediating gene expression DNA methylation regulates gene expression by recruiting proteins involved in gene repression or by inhibiting the binding of transcription factor(s) to DNA. During development, the pattern of DNA methylation in the genome changes as a result of a dynamic process involving both de novo DNA methylation and DE methylation. Evidence suggests that DNA methylation of the gene body is associated with a higher level of ge
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Can new epigenetic cancer treatments have an effect on future generations?

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  New advances in  epigenetic  medications have opened up new therapy possibilities for cancer and other disorders, but may these treatments have long-term impacts on the fertility of both female patients and their future offspring? For example results of their recent study analysing the drug Tazemetostat and its effects on oocytes and germ line genomes in female mice, a recent study published in Clinical Epigenetics argues that this is something that should be more extensively studied in clinical treatment trials. Advances in cancer research  diagnostics  and therapies have helped doctors to detect and treat cancer sooner, resulting in improved early stage diagnosis. This does, however, mean that a greater percentage of women are being treated for cancer during what are typically seen as critical reproductive years. While pharmacological clinical studies look at the patient's side effects, they rarely assess the influence on the patient's progeny. With the advancement of gen
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