Prediction of Epigenetic Target Sites by Using Genomic DNA Sequence

Abstract

Epigenetic regulation provides an extra layer of gene control in addition to the genomic sequence and is critical for the maintenance of cell-type specific gene expression programs. Significant changes of epigenetic patterns have been linked to developmental stages, environmental exposure, ageing, and diet. However, the regulatory mechanisms for epigenetic recruitment, maintenance, and switch are still poorly understood. Computational biology provides tools to deeply uncover hidden connections and these tools have played a major role in shaping the current understanding of gene regulation, but its application in epigenetics is still in the infancy. This chapter reviews some recent developments of computational approaches to predict epigenetic target sites.