Genetics and Epigenetics in Neurodegenerative Disorders

Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene expression during meiosis and/or mitosis that are not coded by nucleotide sequences in DNA, but rather by interoceptive and environmental variables. Neuroepigenetics is the study of epigenetic changes in neurons. Neuroepigenetic alterations, unlike standard epigenetic modifications, are not inherited. Epigenetic pathways play a huge role in information storage and circuit control. The central nervous system's development and function can be hampered by neuroepigenetics. Over the last 25 years, this field has experienced exponential growth.