A class of small signaling molecules, or peptides, that exert their biological effects by influencing gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These peptides interact with the cellular machinery responsible for epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, thereby acting as master switches for various cellular functions. They represent a critical interface between environmental stimuli and long-term genetic programming, impacting health and longevity.
Origin
The term combines “epigenetic regulation,” the study of heritable changes in gene function that do not involve changes in DNA sequence, with “peptides,” the molecular structure of the messengers. This concept is relatively modern, gaining prominence with the discovery of short regulatory peptides, often derived from larger precursor proteins, that directly modulate chromatin structure and gene accessibility. It bridges the fields of molecular biology and endocrinology.
Mechanism
Epigenetic Regulation Peptides typically function by binding to specific nuclear receptors or enzymes within the cell nucleus, which are responsible for adding or removing chemical tags to DNA or histone proteins. For example, some peptides can enhance the activity of histone acetyltransferases, which “open” the chromatin structure, making genes accessible for transcription. Conversely, others might promote DNA methylation, which silences gene expression, thereby selectively activating or deactivating genetic programs in a tissue-specific manner.
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