Epigenetics is the study of meiotically and mitotically heritable changes in gene expression which are not coded for in the DNA. Three distinct mechanisms appear to be intricately related and implicated in initiating and/or sustaining epigenetic modifications; DNA methylation, RNA-associated silencing, and histone modifications. While chromatin remodeling and DNA methylation have been studied for several years now far less is know about how these epigenetic marks are directed to each particular gene. Recently, however the role of RNA in epigenetic gene regulation has begun to become apparent.

from Kevin V. Morris in "Chapter 2 Epigenetic Regulation of Gene Expression" from RNA and the Regulation of Gene Expression

Further reading:

1. RNA and the Regulation of Gene Expression
2. Epigenetics

Labels: epigenetics, expression, regulation, RNA