EPIGENETIC RESEARCH IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION: THE ROLE AND FUTURE OF BIOINFORMATICS TOOLS

Abstract

Epigenetics is a branch of science that examines molecular modifications that regulate gene expression without any sequence change in the DNA molecule, which is the genetic material of organisms. Epigenetic modifications have an effect on gene expression, especially with the role they play in the regulation of transcription. Environmental factors as well as genetic mechanisms play an important role in the emergence of quantitative characters in animal production. At this point, epigenetic research has a critical role for sustainable animal production in understanding the interactions of environmental factors with genetic structure in animal production and the effects of these interactions on issues such as productivity, genetic improvement and health. The use of bioinformatics tools is very important in the processing, analysis and interpretation of the data obtained as a result of epigenetic studies. With the bioinformatics analysis of epigenetic data, the degree of accuracy in breeding studies will increase and a sustainable animal production will become even more possible.

In this review, the current status and future of bioinformatics methods used in epigenetic studies in animal production in terms of animal breeding are discussed.