Towards a better understanding of epigenetics and dynamic gene silencing and reactivation

Epigenetics, the dynamic regulation of genetic expression, involves complex molecular mechanisms. While the process of gene silencing by methylating the H3K27 position in histones is understood, not much is known about how to turn on the silenced gene. To this end, researchers recently investigated the epigenetic behavior of a model plant organism. Their findings reveal a highly conserved family of proteins responsible for dynamic gene activation and de-activation, bolstering our knowledge of epigenetics.