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Article
Constitutional Epi/Genetic Conditions: Genetic, Epigenetic, and Environmental Factors
Journal of Pediatric Genetics
  • Laila C Schenkel, Western University
  • David Rodenhiser, Western University
  • Victoria Siu, Western University
  • Elizabeth McCready, McMaster University
  • Peter Ainsworth, Western University
  • Bekim Sadikovic, Western University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2017
URL with Digital Object Identifier
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0036-1593849
Disciplines
Abstract

There are more than 4,000 phenotypes for which the molecular basis is at least partly known. Though defects in primary DNA structure constitute a major cause of these disorders, epigenetic disruption is emerging as an important alternative mechanism in the etiology of a broad range of congenital and developmental conditions. These include epigenetic defects caused by either localized (in cis) genetic alterations or more distant (in trans) genetic events but can also include environmental effects. Emerging evidence suggests interplay between genetic and environmental factors in the epigenetic etiology of several constitutional "epi/genetic" conditions. This review summarizes our broadening understanding of how epigenetics contributes to pediatric disease by exploring different classes of epigenomic disorders. It further challenges the simplistic dogma of "DNA encodes RNA encodes protein" to best understand the spectrum of factors that can influence genetic traits in a pediatric population.

Citation Information
Laila C Schenkel, David Rodenhiser, Victoria Siu, Elizabeth McCready, et al.. "Constitutional Epi/Genetic Conditions: Genetic, Epigenetic, and Environmental Factors" Journal of Pediatric Genetics Vol. 6 Iss. 1 (2017) p. 30 - 41
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/bekim-sadikovic/1/