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The three main mechanisms of epigenetics are DNA methylation, histone modification, and RNA regulation. * * * ## Related Products Slide 1 of 6 1 of 2 [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ MDQ1 \ Imprint® Methylated DNA Quantification Kit](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/product/sigma/mdq1) Quick View [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ MOD50 \ Imprint® DNA Modification Kit](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/product/sigma/mod50) Quick View [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ S4068 \ Splitomicin](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/product/sigma/s4068) Quick View [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ 17-10086 \ EZ-Magna ChIP® A/G Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Kit](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/product/mm/1710086) Quick View [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ CHP2NC \ Imprint® Ultra Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Kit, Without Controls](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/product/sigma/chp2nc) Quick View [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ 17-700 \ Magna RIP® RNA-Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation Kit](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/product/mm/17700) Quick View * * * ## Featured Categories [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/products/chemistry-and-biochemicals/chemical-biology) [Chemical Biology](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/products/chemistry-and-biochemicals/chemical-biology) Our market-leading, chemical biology products provide expert and simple solutions for bioconjugation, as well as biomolecule and peptide synthesis. [Shop Products](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/products/chemistry-and-biochemicals/chemical-biology) [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/products/cell-culture-and-analysis/cell-lines-and-specialty-cell-culture/stem-cells) [Stem Cells](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/products/cell-culture-and-analysis/cell-lines-and-specialty-cell-culture/stem-cells) ES and iPS cell-qualified products offer reliable culture solutions for stem cell researchers, including media and differentiation tools. [Shop Products](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/products/cell-culture-and-analysis/cell-lines-and-specialty-cell-culture/stem-cells) * * * Overview Related Articles & Protocols Support ## DNA Methylation DNA methylation is the most well-known mechanism of epigenetics. It typically involves a methyltransferase enzyme that assists with the addition of a methyl group on the fifth position of cytosine (C5). This addition occurs mainly on cytosine-phosphate- guanine (CpG) dinucleotides. However, non-CpG methylation occurs as well. Analysis of DNA methylation is often performed to help understand gene expression. Examples of this type of analysis include methylation quantification by digestion of DNA with subsequent analysis through HPLC, mass spectrometry, or using sodium bisulfate conversion followed by PCR sequencing and analysis. ## Histone Modification Histone modification is another classic epigenetic mechanism. It involves various ways of altering histones by acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and other mechanisms that affect gene expression. Histones are proteins, that along with DNA, make up nucleosomes. Bundles of nucleosomes create the chromatin that make up chromosomes. In general, histone modifications take place at the histone N-terminal tails with high proportions of the amino acids lysine or arginine. One way to study this epigenetic regulation is through the use of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. ## RNA Regulation Less is known about RNA regulation than the other epigenetic mechanisms. RNA signaling is thought to play a role in epigenetics through regulating chromatin structure. Researchers are investigating how mRNA and specifically non-coding RNA, such as long non-coding RNA, and micro RNA regulate gene expression. Additionally, Chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) or RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays can be used to understand the relationship between chromatin and RNA and the role RNA has in epigenetics. [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/documents-search) [Looking for More Specific Information?](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/documents-search) Visit our document search for data sheets, certificates and technical documentation. [Find Documents](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/documents-search) ## Related Articles - [Introduction to DNA Methylation](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/technical-documents/technical-article/genomics/epigenetics/introduction-to-dna-methylation) Review the details of DNA methylation, a common modification in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Typically, methylation is characterized by the addition of a methyl group (–CH3) to the cytosine C5. - [p53: DNA Damage Response and Cancer](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/technical-documents/technical-article/genomics/epigenetics/p-fiftythree-dna-damage-response-and-cancer) p53 regulates gene expression, cell cycle control and functions as a tumor suppressor. Inactivation of p53 is closely tied to cancer development. - [Imprint ® DNA Modification Kit (MOD50) Protocol](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/technical-documents/technical-article/genomics/epigenetics/mod50-imprint-dna-modification-kit) The Imprint DNA Modification Kit provides the reagents needed for bisulfite conversion and post-modification clean-up of DNA samples in less than 2 hours. - [Epigenetics Overview](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/technical-documents/technical-article/genomics/epigenetics/epigenetics-overview) Epigenetics is a term coined to describe changes that are not mutation based but can still be passed on from generation to generation. Genes that are activated or repressed without any change in DNA sequence are epigenetically controlled. Epigenetic modifications are stable, but potentially reversible alterations in gene expression that occur without permanent changes in DNA sequence. - [Carcinogenesis and Epigenetics](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/technical-documents/technical-article/genomics/epigenetics/carcinogenesis-epigenetics) Carcinogenicity and genotoxicity data combined with current research provides a foundation for understanding the intricate carcinogenic process characterized by both mutagenic and epigenetic facets. - [See All (13)](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/search/facet-search?focus=sitecontent&term=facet-search) ## Related Protocols - [DIG Gel Mobility Shift Assay Troubleshooting](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/technical-documents/protocol/genomics/epigenetics/dig-gel-shift-kit-2nd-generation) The DIG Gel Shift Kit uses recombinant terminal transferase and digoxigenin (DIG)-11- dideoxyuridine triphosphate (ddUTP), which makes the labeling reaction flexible. - [ChIP-qPCR Data Analysis](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/technical-documents/protocol/genomics/qpcr/chip-qpcr-data-analysis) Chromatin Immunoprecipitation qPCR for studying gene regulation across conditions. - [Chromatin Isolation by RNA Purification (ChIRP) Protocol](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/technical-documents/protocol/protein-biology/protein-and-nucleic-acid-interactions/chromatin-isolation-by-rna-purification) Chromatin Isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) protocol for isolating RNA-bound genome regions. - [See All (3)](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/search/facet-search?focus=sitecontent&term=facet-search) ### Find More Articles and Protocols Enter Keywords Search ## How Can We Help In case of any questions, please submit a [customer support request](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/support/customer-support) or talk to our customer service team: Email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or call +1 (800) 244-1173 ## Additional Support - [Chromatogram Search](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/chromatogram-search) Use the Chromatogram Search to identify unknown compounds in your sample. - [Calculators & Apps](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/support/calculators-and-apps) Web Toolbox - science research tools and resources for analytical chemistry, life science, chemical synthesis and materials science. - [Customer Support Request](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/support/customer-support) Customer support including help with orders, products, accounts, and website technical issues. - [FAQ](https://maestro.my.site.com/knowledgeportal/s/) Explore our Frequently Asked Questions for answers to commonly asked questions about our products and services. 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