Epigenetic Influences

For the last few decades, and as long as many adults can remember, the view of gene inheritance has been written in the four letter language of DNA. Genetic mutations and re-combinations have driven most descriptions of how phenotypic traits are handed down from one generation to the next (The American Association for the Advancement of Science). Researchers and physicians attempted to untangle and discover the clues that suggested gene function could be altered by more than just changes in sequence (Weinhold, 2006). This research paper will discuss what epigenetics are, processes that are responsible for the different gene expressions in epigenetics, factors affecting epigenetic changes, and studies into epigenetics.
Dr. Ali Shilatifard,
Striking differences in the profiles of people who were subjected to childhood abuse and later in life committed suicide were compared to those that did not experience childhood abuse but later committed suicide. Those who had been abused as children had several changes in the methylation profile of several stress-related genes. Experiences during childhood can influence the brain for a person’s entire lifetime. Experiences and exposure to detrimental stimuli can also increase a person’s susceptibility to disease. Poor or high in fat diets have been implicated as detrimental to health across several generations. Such epigenetic effects arise from both a paternal and maternal transmission and have negative consequences for their offspring. Experiences during adulthood can dynamically modify the epigenome. Manel Esteller and his colleagues at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas in Spain show that even though twins have an indistinguishable gene profile early in life, in older twins they have significant differences present in their genetic profiles. Esteller’s work highlights the influences of a person’s surroundings and living environment on the epigenome. Unlike genes, which require complex therapies in order to alter them, epigenetic marks are reversible. The avoidance of chemicals and toxic agents, better lifestyle and diet choices may prevent alterations of a person’s epigenome (Mansuy & Mohanna,