生物信息技术在表观遗传调控机制研究中的应用

Application of bioinformatics techniques in revealing the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation

表观遗传调控是指在不改变实际DNA序列却控制基因表达的过程,并在决定细胞功能和发育中起着至关重要的作用.表观遗传基因组包括组蛋白的位点、排列,以及化学修饰、DNA甲基化、非编码RNA的结构和表达,以及转录因子调控网络和染色体三维结构等各种因素共同协调作用来控制细胞表型.尽管复杂,各种二代测序,尤其是生物信息学技术的发展,极大地促进了人们对于表观遗传机制的理解.本文简要介绍当下生物信息技术在揭示表观遗传调控机制研究中的应用,从而为更深入理解整个基因调控机制,乃至为人类疾病治疗提供新的见解.

Epigenefic regulation, the process of controlling gene expression without altering the actual DNA sequence, plays essential roles in determining cellular function and dictating development. The epigenome consists of signals as diverse as the position/arrangement and chemical modifications of histones, DNA methylation, noncoding RNA structure and expression, self-reinforcing transcription factor networks, and chromosome three-dimensional structure, which all function in concert to enforce the cellular phenotype. Although complex, the development of a variety of next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics techniques will greatly facilitate ourunderstanding of the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation. This article provides a brief review of the current applications of bioinformatics techniques in revealing the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation, thereby to providing novel insights into ourunderstanding of the entire gene regulation mechanism and potential therapies for the treatment of human diseases.