Epigenetics

The links below are two recent articles discussing epigenetics and changing how we think about genetics.  As genetic counselors, we are well aware of the idea of epigenetics and the fact that your DNA sequence isn’t the be all end all.  Instead the appropriate genes must be turned on and off at the correct time for our body’s to function normally.  The research in epigenetics involves understanding how these genes get turned on an off.  Many factors, some inherited, so exposures such as smoking can influence which genes are switched on or off.  The idea, is to design treatments that can influence this mechanism of genetics without having to alter the actual genetic code.

For me, this is such a fascinating area of genetics that is not well understood and one in which genetic counselors will likely be highly involved in the future.  Similar to the phenomenon of genomic medicine and the vast complexities that go along with sequencing all of someone’s DNA with hopes of predicting what disorders they may be at risk for.  These two fields have a lot of obvious overlap since sequencing the DNA is no longer  enough.  We must know whether the genes are active or not.  A lot of research in epigenetics involves identical twins for the obvious reason that their DNA code is the same, but different environmental factors can influence the functional aspect of their genetic code differently – epigenetics.  The first article also discusses some research into the idea of inherited epigenetics where specific triggers (such as an exposure) may have turned a gene off and then was passed on to a child in the now “off” state.  If you find this interesting, check out the links below.

Age of Epigenetics by Timothy Spector


NPR Nature vs Nurture Debate