Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
06:19
Induction and Diverse Assessment Indicators of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: September 9, 2022
Epigenetics lessons from twins: prospects for autoimmune disease
1Chromatin and Disease Group, Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Programme (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Avda. Gran Via 199-203, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. eballestar@idibell.cat
Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology
|August 5, 2009
Summary
Monozygotic (MZ) twins, despite identical genetics, can develop different traits and diseases due to environmental influences on epigenetics. Studying discordant MZ twins helps uncover epigenetic factors in diseases like autoimmunity.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Epigenetics
- Twin Studies
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Monozygotic (MZ) twins share nearly identical genetics but can exhibit phenotypic differences, highlighting gene-environment interactions.
- Environmental factors are increasingly recognized for their long-term impact on epigenetic profiles, influencing disease susceptibility.
- Autoimmune diseases are a focus area, with research exploring DNA methylation changes and the role of epigenetic modifiers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate epigenetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic discordance in MZ twins.
- To dissect the contribution of environmental factors to disease development using MZ twin models.
- To explore novel strategies for mapping epigenetic profiles in the context of autoimmune diseases.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing discordant monozygotic (MZ) twins as a model system.
- Analyzing epigenetic profiles, including DNA methylation and histone modifications.
- Investigating the influence of environmental factors on epigenetic variations.
Main Results:
- Discordant MZ twins provide a unique model to study epigenetic differences.
- Environmental factors significantly influence epigenetic profiles and disease susceptibility.
- Epigenetic modifications are implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases.
Conclusions:
- Discordant MZ twins are valuable for understanding epigenetic contributions to disease.
- Epigenetic profiling in MZ twins can reveal disease-specific patterns.
- This research supports the development of novel strategies for autoimmune disease research.
More Related Videos
09:09Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using Poly(I:C) to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring
Published on: August 17, 2022
09:52Generation of High Quality Chromatin Immunoprecipitation DNA Template for High-throughput Sequencing (ChIP-seq)
Published on: April 19, 2013
Related Concept Videos
01:23Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
Behavior genetics explores how genetic inheritance influences human behavior. It focuses on how genes, passed from parents to offspring, contribute to the development of behavioral traits and tendencies. This branch of genetics seeks to understand the complex interplay between inherited genetic factors and environmental influences in shaping our behaviors.
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
01:29Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. This results from an overactive immune response against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Let's delve into the concept and mechanism of autoimmune diseases from an immune system point of view, explore different causes and examples of such diseases, and discuss potential solutions.
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
01:20Gene-Environment Interactions
Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
01:28Human Genetics
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
02:30Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
01:12Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...