The Environment In Which Our Genes Live Explored In New Journal

Main Category: Genetics
Article Date: 01 Nov 2008 - 9:00 PDT

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The composition of our DNA is not the only thing that determines how our genes behave. A new journal just launched by the open access publisher BioMed Central, Epigenetcs and Chromatin, will enable researchers at all levels to discuss the heritable changes that do not alter DNA sequence, but rather involve stable modifications of chromatin, DNA or protein conformation.

The journal's co-Editors-in-Chief, Steven Henikoff and Frank Grosveld, are excited about this field's potential. According to Henikoff, "The field of epigenetics is at an exciting stage, one that seems comparable to the field of genetics before the elucidation of the structure of DNA and the genetic code. We know most of the parts, but we are still unclear as to how they work together as a system to faithfully maintain gene expression states. As our understanding of epigenetic inheritance and chromatin-based interactions progresses, we expect that Epigenetcs and Chromatin will become a key scientific resource".

Articles in the first issue exemplify the type of high quality research that the journal will publish. A study by Elizabeth Blackburn, John Sedat and colleagues applies new methodology for 4D imaging to document a previously undescribed behavior of human telomeres. Another study by Neil Brockdorff and colleagues provides a comprehensive answer to a long-standing question of the role of the RNAi pathway in X inactivation.

Grosveld said, "I'm thrilled to be part of the launch, particularly because this is an open access journal that fulfils the need for a resource that reflects the breadth of epigenetic research. The positive response by colleagues around the world who have participated in this venture has been fantastic."

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Notes:

1. All articles are available free of charge, according to BioMed Central's open access policy.

2. Epigenetcs and Chromatin is a peer-reviewed open access online journal, which will publish articles that provide novel insights into epigenetic inheritance and chromatin-based interactions. The journal's website is http://www.epigeneticsandchromatin.com/

3. BioMed Central (http://www.biomedcentral.com/) is an independent online publishing house committed to providing immediate access without charge to the peer-reviewed biological and medical research it publishes. This commitment is based on the view that open access to research is essential to the rapid and efficient communication of science.

Source: Graeme Baldwin
BioMed Central

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