The Role Of Epigenetics And Genetics, Research Of...

Role of Epigenetics The research of epigenetics has evolved from the twentieth century from two scientists including Conrad H. Waddington and Ernst Hadorn who combined genetics and biology. There was an interest in this study in the 1990s. Research has evolved trying to figure out the changes caused by epigenetic mechanisms. This field is growing as researchers are unraveling environmental and lifestyle influences on genes (Epigenetics, n.d.). This paper will discuss differences in epigenetics and genetics, current research of epigenetics, and diseases associated with epigenetics. Epigenetics and Genetics Epigenetic means, in addition to changes in genetic sequence (Weinhold, 2006). It differs from genetics in various ways. Epigenetics examines alterations in gene expression caused by other mechanisms that do not alter the DNA sequences. This can cause identical twins to have different diseases. Genetics is a field of biology. The study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity encompass genetics. Every person inherits genes from both their parents (Mandal, 2013). Processes of epigenetics include methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitylation, and sumolyation. These processes can be a normal part of life but only if they occur properly (Weinhold, 2006). Current Research A well-studied process is DNA methylation. This is the removal or addition of methyl group in cytosine bases. It has been observed in various diseases such as cancer. Cancer has been studiedShow MoreRelatedIntroduction:. Epigenetics Studies The Biological Information1364 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction: Epigenetics studies the biological information that can be inherited in addition to the DNA, through biochemical changes such as methylation and histone modifications that can affect gene expression and lead to a particular phenotype [9]. Epigenetic plasticity can be influenced by internal and external factors, such as the in utero environment of early development [9]. The intrauterine environment can have short and long term effects on the health and future disease state of offspringRead MoreBehavioral Epigenetics : Biological Heredity And Nurture1428 Words   |  6 Pagesothers do not? Behavioral epigenetics examines how nurture shapes nature, where nature refers to biological heredity and nurture refers to everything that occurs during the animal s lifespan. Epigenetics is the study of alterations in an organism caused by modifications of gene expressions instead of alterations of the genetic code itself. Behavioral epigenetics is the field of study, which analyzes the role epige netics have in shaping human or animal behavior. Epigenetics works by wrapping DNA aroundRead MoreThe Theory Of Maternal Age And Its Influence On The Risk Of Autism Essay1278 Words   |  6 Pagesdiligently over the years, but the exact mechanism of what causes autism is still unknown. The extensive research has been able to rule out factors that do not contribute to autism and has made advancements in possible causative factors. As of right now, it appears that the source is possibly multi-factorial, just like the disorder. Theories that are believed to be a part of the cause include genetic, environmental, maternal age, viruses, toxins, and medical conditions. In order to test the theoryRead MorePromising Treatment for Alzheimers Disease Essay566 Words   |  3 PagesAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder(1-3) causing progressive loss of cognitive functions leading to dementia and death.(4) Older age is the highest risk factor for AD (3, 5) and the prevalence of AD rises from 3% among those 65-74years to almost 50% among those 85year(2). An estimated 5.2 million Americans of all ages had AD in 2013(1). It currently affects more than 33.9million people worldwide(4) and is predicted to be affecting more than 80million people worldwide by 2040(3)Read MoreDiet Mediated Epigenetic Effects On The Microbiota Gut Brain Axis Essay1390 Words   |  6 PagesDiet Mediated Epigenetic Effects on the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis The Future of Epigenetic Drugs The Oxford English Dictionary defines a drug as, â€Å"a substance which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body† (â€Å"Drug,† 2016). Most would consider this definition too broad since simply ingesting food causes physiological changes in the body. However, most do not consider the multifarious ways in which the food that we eat affects our epigenetic gene expression, orRead MoreThe Community Of Micro Organisms Within A Host Individuals Gastrointestinal Tract937 Words   |  4 Pagescells reside in animal hosts as commensals, symbionts, or as pathogenic parasites and form a veneer over almost all body surfaces (Stilling et al., 2014). Increasingly, research is showing the importance of host microbiota composition and the bidirectional signaling pathways between the brain and the gut (some of which are epigenetic). These studies elucidate the profound effects this signaling can have on behavior and cognition, and will be the foc us of this review (Sommer Backhed, 2013). The communityRead MoreBipolar Disorder Essay1129 Words   |  5 Pages Furthermore, inflammation is linked with bipolar disorder and can explain some of the comorbidities such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, that result in decreased life expectancy. Inflammatory molecules are produced in the periphery by immune cells such as helper T cells and macrophages, in response to pathogens or cell damage. The proinflammatory molecules produced in the body can stimulate the microglia and other neuroimmune cells, by entering the brain through regions where the bloodRead MoreGenetic And Non Genetic Mechanisms Of Inheritance Essay2222 Words   |  9 PagesRegina Noel 10/19/2016 Epigenetics: Genetic and Non-Genetic Mechanisms of Inheritance When discussing the topic of genetics, it is typically viewed from the perspective of Mendelian inheritance in which genes are transmitted from parent to offspring solely through the use of genetic alleles, which are the alternative form of genes that have varying DNA sequences and chromosomes that affect the phenotype, visual gene trait (Toth. 2015). If and how a genetic trait is expressed is whether the allelesRead MoreThe Role Of Dna Methylation On Breast Cancer2323 Words   |  10 PagesBMS3003 Essay Epigenetics: The Role of DNA Methylation in Breast Cancer The epigenetic profile of BC cancer cells is very different from that of normal breast cells. Epigenetic changes bring about cancer via the ‘switching off’ of TSGs and the ‘switching on’ of oncogenes, which may happen separately or simultaneously. Advances in our knowledge and in technology used to analyse DNA methylation could hold the key for a better way of treating BC, by personalizing treatment to reduce side effects ofRead MoreChanges And Development Of The Aging Process1972 Words   |  8 PagesEpigenetic changes are currently recognized as part of the aging process and have been implicated in many age-related chronic diseases such as AD (1–3). The term epigenetics includes a variety of processes known to regulate gene expression in a stable and potentially reversible way, without altering the primary DNA sequence (4). Since epigenetics allow for the integration of long-lasting non-genetic inputs in the genome, research on age-related disorder s have recently focused in epigenetic mechanisms