title: Epigenetics: general characteristics and implications for oral health.
abstract: Genetic information such as DNA sequences has been limited to fully explain mechanisms of gene regulation and disease process. Epigenetic mechanisms, which include DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNAs, can regulate gene expression and affect progression of disease. Although studies focused on epigenetics are being actively investigated in the field of medicine and biology, epigenetics in dental research is at the early stages. However, studies on epigenetics in dentistry deserve attention because epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in gene expression during tooth development and may affect oral diseases. In addition, understanding of epigenetic alteration is important for developing new therapeutic methods. This review article aims to outline the general features of epigenetic mechanisms and describe its future implications in the field of dentistry.
authors: Department of Conservative Dentistry, Seoul National University School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Ji-Yun
authors: JY
authors: Seo
authors: Department of Nutritional Science and Food Management, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Yoon-Jung
authors: YJ
authors: Park
authors: Department of Dentistry, Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Young-Ah
authors: YA
authors: Yi
authors: Nutrition Education Major, Graduate School of Education, Sangmyung University, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Ji-Yun
authors: JY
authors: Hwang
authors: Department of Conservative Dentistry, Seoul National University School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul, Korea.
authors: In-Bog
authors: IB
authors: Lee
authors: Department of Conservative Dentistry, Seoul National University School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Byeong-Hoon
authors: 0000-0001-9641-5507
authors: BH
authors: Cho
authors: Department of Conservative Dentistry, Seoul National University School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Ho-Hyun
authors: HH
authors: Son
authors: Department of Conservative Dentistry, Seoul National University School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Deog-Gyu
authors: 0000-0002-0160-6317
authors: DG
authors: Seo
keywords: Dental pulp cell; Epigenetic mechanism; Epigenetics; Gene regulation; Periodontitis