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Epigenetics in context

Research reports | 17.10.2006 | CGM 2006-05

The research field of epigenetics is on the rise. Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene function that do not entail a change in DNA sequence. Applications in both the field of medicine and plant breeding are foreseen. With the environmental risk analysis for genetically modified organisms in mind, COGEM commissioned a literature research project. The resulting report ‘Epigenetics in context’ aims to present an up-to-date overview of the major topics and trends in epigenetic research in terms of mechanisms, examples and potential applications

The results indicate that at the moment, no applications of stably inherited epigenetic changes have been developed. According to the authors, it is difficult to predict when this will be the case. COGEM is therefore of the opinion that it is too early to draw conclusions on any environmental risks possibly concerned with epigenetics. It will be necessary to keep monitoring the developments in the field of epigenetics. Therefore, COGEM will review the developments in this field after three years.

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