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Stress-Induced Gene Silencing

Meaning

Stress-Induced Gene Silencing is an epigenetic mechanism where prolonged or severe psychological or physiological stress leads to the repression of gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. This process often involves increased DNA methylation or specific histone modifications, which physically compact the chromatin structure, rendering the gene inaccessible to the transcription machinery. It represents a crucial molecular link between chronic environmental stress and long-term changes in cellular function and subsequent disease risk.