Epigenetics is concerned with heritable, but reversible, changes in chromatin composition and structure which influence the functional state of the genome. The reversible nature of epigenetic modifications, permitting programming and re-programming of genome function, is essential for ordered development of most eukaryotic organisms, including mammals and human. As revealed during the past few years, "epimutations", i.e. aberrations at the epigenetic level, play a causal role in the development of many human diseases, including cancer. In its initial part the lecture will provide an overview of the mechanisms of epigenetic control and its major biological functions, in particular in the context of long term regulation of gene expression and maintenance of genomic integrity. The lecture will subsequently focus on diseases relying on aberrant epigenetic control and discuss their molecular basis, which may among others involve stochastic and environmentally induced changes of epigenetic marking. The impact of epigenetic programming and re-programming on stem cell biology and reproductive medicine will also be addressed. In addition, the lecture will outline novel diagnostic and therapeutical approaches acting at the epigenetic level. The programme of the lecture and the accompanying seminar (LV 23031b-W14) will be briefly outlined at the beginning of the lecture on 04.11.2014. The module exam will be a written examination to be held on 16.11.2014 (17:00 - 18:00) in the "großer Hörsaal", Königin-Luise-Str. 12 / 16a. close