Epigenetics states that we are the pre-cursors of diseases meaning our mind, beliefs--not defective genes, are what turn certain cells, such as malignant cells on.
The Epigenome
DNA is only half the story of the instructions for building all the parts of the body. DNA is wrapped around proteins called histones, both dna and histones are covered with tags, the second layer of this structure is called the epigenome.
Tags are a profile with specific gene expression instructions and act as a type of cellular memory. These tags react to signals from the outside world.The epigenome is “flexible” meaning it can change in order to turn certain proteins off or on. Epigenetic tags, react to signals from the outside world, (for example, diet or stress) and adjust specific genes in response to these signals. Epigenetic tags act as an example of cellular memory. A cell's epigenetic profile embodies a collection of tags that instruct genes whether to turn on or off.
Tags are a profile with specific gene expression instructions and act as a type of cellular memory. These tags react to signals from the outside world.The epigenome is “flexible” meaning it can change in order to turn certain proteins off or on. Epigenetic tags, react to signals from the outside world, (for example, diet or stress) and adjust specific genes in response to these signals. Epigenetic tags act as an example of cellular memory. A cell's epigenetic profile embodies a collection of tags that instruct genes whether to turn on or off.
Epigenome vs. Genome: What's the difference?
Basically, the epigenome is flexible whereas the genome is not.
A genome is your genetic makeup based on DNA when you are born. As you begin to age, your epigenome begins to change, this is based on your environment, as well as the way your DNA transfers throughout your body.
Controversies
Most controversial in epigenetics is the idea of inheritance. Genes are passed down by our parents through meiosis, the cellular development of sex cells, which combine to form an embryo. However, epigenetic studies show that the epigenome is also part of inheritance. During meiosis, experiences are passed to daughter cells, by the mother. This means that a parents experience in the form of epigenetic tags can also be passed down to future generations. As unconventional and controversial as this may be, this innovative finding may shine the light on many rare inheritance patterns. An example being, Developmental disorders such as schizophrenia.
Dr. Lars Olov Bygren data, validated Epigenetic inheritance. Bygren studied 99 individuals in a small town called Overkalix in Sweden. In his practice he noticed that boys who enjoyed an excess amount of food produced sons and grandsons who lived shorter lives, dying an average of six years earlier than the grandsons of those who had endured a poor harvest. Results applied applied along the female line as well, meaning that the daughters and granddaughters of girls who had gone from normal to gluttonous diets also lived shorter lives. Essentially, the data suggested that a single winter of overeating as a adolescent could initiate a biological chain of events that would lead one's grandchildren to die decades earlier than their peers did.
Dr. Lars Olov Bygren data, validated Epigenetic inheritance. Bygren studied 99 individuals in a small town called Overkalix in Sweden. In his practice he noticed that boys who enjoyed an excess amount of food produced sons and grandsons who lived shorter lives, dying an average of six years earlier than the grandsons of those who had endured a poor harvest. Results applied applied along the female line as well, meaning that the daughters and granddaughters of girls who had gone from normal to gluttonous diets also lived shorter lives. Essentially, the data suggested that a single winter of overeating as a adolescent could initiate a biological chain of events that would lead one's grandchildren to die decades earlier than their peers did.
Three generations: Dr. Lars Olov Bygren, with son Magnus and grandson Ludvig in Stockholm
For more information on Dr. Lars Olov Bygren and his discoveries please visit: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1951968,00.html#ixzz1AJNu0Xww
For more information on Dr. Lars Olov Bygren and his discoveries please visit: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1951968,00.html#ixzz1AJNu0Xww
Believers
A main believer in epigenetics is Bruce Lipton, an internationally recognized leader in bridging science and spirit, he concluded that “the belief of the person will change the genetic expression even to the case of spontaneous remission are tied to having a profound change in perception or belief about life” meaning a persons sudden change in view on life could change their genetic expression even in a spontaneous case like a coma. After applying such beliefs by changing his diet and additude on life, Lipton had immediate results both in his physical well-being and the quality of his daily life. Having experienced this change, Lipton published a book called The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter and Miracles, published in 2005. This book explores the major breathroughs of beliefs shaping our bodies and lives.
Learn more about Bruce lipton at
http://www.brucelipton.com/
Studies in Cambridge, MA
After studying Epigenetics, I felt inspired and decided to lead a survey where I would test the publics knowledge on this new up-and-coming inovative study. My motive was to learn how the public would react to the idea of our minds being so essential to our health and if they believed in inheritence, as well as their awareness of the possibility of this study leading to cures for potentially fatal diseases. Over the course of two weeks I led a survey where people from all age groups in Cambridge, MA were asked 6 simple questions, including their age and grade. After 105 participants I decided to conclude the survey and begin to analyze my data. My study’s show that although many were not aware of the term “Epigenetics” it was a common belief that inheritance does happen, the question driven by this conclusion was “Could the environment affect the genetics of a persons grandchildren?” The participants felt that even without prior knowledge or scientific background, the environment endured by past generations had an affect on future generations. However, when asked “Do you believe our genes can be altered by the environment?” many were not convinced. Studies also showed that many did not believe there were cures for fatal diseases such as Cancer and Schizophrenia. Although theses studies show that the public would welcome the new study with a bit of open mindedness it is hard to tell whether or not these answers embody true opinions on epigenetics and its beliefs because of the lack of knowledge confounding the results.
Here is my survey: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDctVElzV05zelo5XzVuSEt6Y2gzVlE6MQ, feel free to take it!
Summary
Studying Epigenetics over the course of almost a month has strengthen my beliefs about mood affecting your health, During cheerleading I always tell the girls who feel something like their nose is going to swell up, to not think about it, and usually it works, it is like mind over matter. Although epigenetics is not mind over matter I do believe the environment affects our genes vastly and I am a strong believer that our epigenomes are inherited, especially with Bygrens studies supporting that idea. Overall, I am glad I chose Epigenetics as a project subject because I am sure it will lead scientist to discoveries we have long been coveting.
Hooked yet? If so..
Visit the following websites and learn more about Epigenetics
- http://epigenome.eu/en/1,1,0
- http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/epigenetics/
- http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/epigenetics.html
Source List and Citations
Video:"Epigenetics." Youtube. Web. 6 Jan 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xjq5eEslJhw>.
Epigenome image :"Epigenetics." UNSW Embryology Molecular Development-Epigenetics. Web. 6 Jan 2011. <http://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/MolDev/epigenetic.htm>.
Genetics Science Learning Center (2010, October 8) Epigenetics. Learn.Genetics.
Retrieved December 12, 2010, from http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/epigenetics/
Cloud, JC. (2010). Why your dna isnt your destiny. Times Magazine, Retrieved from
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1951968,00.html
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