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Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression

Approx. 17 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course provides an introduction to epigenetics, the study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence. Students will learn about epigenetic mechanisms and their role in development, disease, and evolution.

Key Learning Points

Understand the basics of epigenetics and how it differs from genetics
Learn about epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modification
Explore the impact of epigenetics on development, disease, and evolution

Learning Outcomes

Explain the differences between genetics and epigenetics
Describe various epigenetic mechanisms and their functions
Evaluate the role of epigenetics in development, disease, and evolution

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of genetics
Familiarity with biology terminology

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

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Epigenetics: From Mechanisms to Therapies
Introduction to Genetics and Evolution
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Notable People in This Field

Andrew P. Feinberg
Stephen B. Baylin

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Description

While the human genome sequence has transformed our understanding of human biology, it isn’t just the sequence of your DNA that matters, but also how you use it! How are some genes activated and others are silenced? How is this controlled? The answer is epigenetics.

Epigenetics has been a hot topic for research over the past decade as it has become clear that aberrant epigenetic control contributes to disease (particularly to cancer). Epigenetic alterations are heritable through cell division, and in some instances are able to behave similarly to mutations in terms of their stability. Importantly, unlike genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications are reversible and therefore have the potential to be manipulated therapeutically. It has also become clear in recent years that epigenetic modifications are sensitive to the environment (for example diet), which has sparked a large amount of public debate and research. This course will give an introduction to the fundamentals of epigenetic control. We will examine epigenetic phenomena that are manifestations of epigenetic control in several organisms, with a focus on mammals. We will examine the interplay between epigenetic control and the environment and finally the role of aberrant epigenetic control in disease. All necessary information will be covered in the lectures, and recommended and required readings will be provided. There are no additional required texts for this course. For those interested, additional information can be obtained in the following textbook. Epigenetics. Allis, Jenuwein, Reinberg and Caparros. Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory Press. ISBN-13: 978-0879697242 | Edition: 1

Outline

Week 1 - Introduction to Epigenetic Control
Course overview
1.1 Introduction to the concepts of epigenetic control
1.2 Mitotic heritability of epigenetic marks
1.3 Chromatin and the nucleosome
1.4 Chromatin compaction - heterochromatin versus euchromatin
1.5 DNA methylation at CpG islands
1.6 DNA methylation at intergenic regions and repetitive elements
Course syllabus
Teaching team
Start of course survey
Assessment and grading policy
Week 1 and 2 resources
Week 1 quiz - contributes 8% towards your final grade

Week 2 - Epigenetic Modifications and Organisation of the Nucleus
2.1 Introduction to histone tail modifications
2.2 Histone acetylation and histone methylation
2.3 Chromatin remodelling
2.4 Histone variants
2.5 Noncoding RNAs - microRNAs
2.6 Noncoding RNAs - piRNAs
2.7 Noncoding RNAs - long noncoding RNAs introduction
2.8 Long noncoding RNAs Xist and HOTAIR
2.9 3D organisation of the nucleus and summary of epigenetic marks
Week 1 and 2 resources
Week 2 quiz - contributes 8% towards your final grade

Week 3 - Dosage Compensation
3.1 History and background of X chromosome inactivation
3.2 Timing of random and imprinted X chromosome inactivation
3.3 Stages of X inactivation - counting and control of Xist expression
3.4 Control of Xist expression by pluripotency factors
3.5 Stages of X inactivation - choice of which X to inactivate
3.6 Stages of X inactivation - initiation and spreading of silencing
3.7 Stages of X inactivation - establishment of silencing
3.8 Stages of X inactivation - maintenance of silencing e.g. Dnmt1
3.9 Stages of X inactivation - maintenance of silencing e.g. Smchd1
3.10 X chromosome inactivation summary
3.11 Dosage compensation in flies and worms, compared with mammals
3.12 Lessons from the fly - position effect variegation and screening for epigenetic modifiers
Week 3 resources (including required readings)
Week 3 quiz - contributes 12% towards your final grade

Week 4 - Genomic Imprinting and Epigenetic Reprogramming
4.1 Introduction to epigenetic reprogramming of the maternal and paternal genomes
4.2 Epigenetic reprogramming of imprinted genes and repetitive elements
4.3 Location of imprinted genes in the genome and bisulfite sequencing
4.4 Kcnq1 and H19/Igf2 ICR mechanisms of action and Beckwith Weidemann syndrome
4.5 Snrpn ICR mechanism, Prader Willi and Angelman syndromes
4.6 Summary of epigenetic reprogramming and imprinting
Week 4 resources (including required reading)
Week 4 quiz - contributes 12% towards your final grade

Week 5 - The Influence of the Environment on Epigenetic Control
5.1 Disrupted epigenetic reprogramming in assisted reproductive technologies
5.2 Disrupted epigenetic reprogramming in somatic cell reprogramming and cloning
5.3 Introduction of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, effects of the environment and sensitive periods in epigenetic control
5.4 The Dutch Famine human epidemiological studies and the Developmental Origins of Adult Health and Disease
5.5 Human epidemiological studies on the Overkalix cohort, grandparental effects and possibility of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in humans
5.6 Extension lecture: Interview with Dr Andrew Keniry
Week 5 resources (including required readings)
Week 5 quiz - contributes 12% towards your final grade

Week 6 - Mechanisms of Environmental Influence on Epigenetic Control and Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance Through the Gametes
6.1 Mouse and rat studies on paternal effects of chemical exposure, effects of maternal behaviour on epigenetic makeup
6.2 Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance via the gametes
6.3 The Agouti viable yellow allele in mice
6.4 Environmental effects on the Agouti viable yellow allele
6.5 The Axin fused allele in mice and metastable epialleles
6.6 Potential mechanisms of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: incomplete epigenetic reprogramming
6.7 Paramutation in plants and paramutation-like effects in mice
6.8 Constitutional epimutation in humans - not transgenerational epigenetic inheritance
Week 6 resources (including required readings)
Week 6 quiz - contributes 12% towards your final grade

Week 7 - Cancer Epigenetics
7.1 Overview of cancer epigenetics
7.2 Hypermethylation of CpG islands in cancer
7.3 Hypermethylation of sets of CpG islands in cancer
7.4 Hypomethylation genome-wide in cancer
7.5 Altered histone modifications in cancer
7.6 Long range epigenetic alterations in cancer and alterations to nuclear architecture
7.7 Altered expression on piRNAs and long noncoding RNAs in cancer
7.8 Mutations in epigenetic modifiers in cancer
7.9 Drugs that target the epigenetic machinery as chemotherapeutics
7.10 Extension lecture: Aging - Part 1
7.11 Extension lecture: Aging - Part 2
Week 7 resources (including required readings)
Academic integrity
End of course survey

Summary of User Reviews

Read reviews for the Epigenetics course on Coursera. Learn about the overall user rating and key aspects of the course that users found good or bad. Discover the most common pros and cons mentioned by users.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Many users found the course content to be comprehensive, informative, and engaging.

Pros from User Reviews

The course covers a wide range of topics related to epigenetics and provides a thorough understanding of the subject.
The instructors are knowledgeable and provide clear explanations of complex concepts.
The course is well-structured and easy to follow, with interactive quizzes and assignments to reinforce learning.
Users can learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, making it convenient for busy professionals and students.
The course provides a valuable credential for those seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in the field of epigenetics.

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course to be too basic and not in-depth enough for their needs.
A few users experienced technical difficulties with the platform or the course materials.
The course may be challenging for those without a strong background in biology or genetics.
The course requires a significant time commitment, which may be difficult for some users to manage.
The course is only available in English, which may be a barrier for some non-native speakers.

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