Abstract

Epigenetics, a rapidly developing field within genetics, involves the study of heritable alterations in gene expression that are not caused by changes in the DNA sequence. Notable modifications include histone modifications, non-coding RNA, and DNA methylation molecules, which collectively regulate gene expression without modifying the genetic code. This review underscores the influence of physiological, pathological, and environmental factors on these modifications, utilizing Angelman syndrome and Rett syndrome as examples. Furthermore, this review highlights the broader impact of epigenetic alterations caused by lifestyle choices, including smoking and poor diet, on increasing the probability of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cancer. The dynamic nature of epigenetic regulation emphasizes the need to consider environmental and lifestyle factors in understanding complex diseases, such as Angelman syndrome, offering significant implications for both etiological comprehension and the development of potential therapeutic interventions.

Key words: Epigenetics, Gene Expression, DNA Methylation, Angelman Syndrome, Rett Syndrome