Epigenetics explores how environmental influences and other factors can impact gene expression. Although these changes do not modify the genetic code itself, they significantly influence development. The four primary mechanisms of epigenetics—DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and noncoding RNA (ncRNA)—each contribute distinct effects on various diseases.
For studing DNA methylation status, Bisulfite conversion is regarded as the gold standard. Treatment of DNA with sodium bisulfite converts unmethylated cytosine to uracil, which is subsequently converted to thymine during PCR amplification, while methylcytosine remains unchanged.
