Epigenetics: mechanisms, inheritance and implications in animal breeding

peer reviewedEpigenetics can be defined as changes in gene expression that can be inherited and do not alter the DNA sequence. There are two main epigenetic mechanisms, DNA methylation and histone modification. Genomic imprinting is a process of gene regulation in which only one allele is expressed. Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance is defined as he inheritance of epigenetic marks through germ cells, which controls the gene expression patterns and are passed down from one generation to another. In the animal breeding program it is important to access the extent that the transgenerational epigenetic inheritance also affects the efficiency of genetic selection. A better understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms and their transgenerational effects on the performance of the animals may allow greater gains in economic important traits