The Environment In Which Our Genes Live Explored In New Journal

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The Environment In Which Our Genes Live Explored In New Journal

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/127599.php

The composition of our DNA is not the only thing that determines how

our genes behave. A new journal just launched by the open access

publisher BioMed Central, Epigenetcs and Chromatin, will enable

researchers at all levels to discuss the heritable changes that do

not alter DNA sequence, but rather involve stable modifications of

chromatin, DNA or protein conformation.

The journal's co-Editors-in-Chief, Henikoff and

Grosveld, are excited about this field's potential. According to

Henikoff, " The field of epigenetics is at an exciting stage, one that

seems comparable to the field of genetics before the elucidation of

the structure of DNA and the genetic code. We know most of the parts,

but we are still unclear as to how they work together as a system to

faithfully maintain gene expression states. As our understanding of

epigenetic inheritance and chromatin-based interactions progresses,

we expect that Epigenetcs and Chromatin will become a key scientific

resource " .

Articles in the first issue exemplify the type of high quality

research that the journal will publish. A study by

Blackburn, Sedat and colleagues applies new methodology for 4D

imaging to document a previously undescribed behavior of human

telomeres. Another study by Neil Brockdorff and colleagues provides a

comprehensive answer to a long-standing question of the role of the

RNAi pathway in X inactivation.

Grosveld said, " I'm thrilled to be part of the launch, particularly

because this is an open access journal that fulfils the need for a

resource that reflects the breadth of epigenetic research. The

positive response by colleagues around the world who have

participated in this venture has been fantastic. "