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Gene-Environment Interactions

Gene-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...

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Related Experiment Video

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An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues

An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues

Published on: April 5, 2018

Epigenomics in environmental health.

Brock C Christensen¹, Carmen J Marsit

¹Section on Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Dartmouth Medical School Hanover, NH, USA.

Frontiers in Genetics

|February 4, 2012

Summary

Environmental exposures can alter the epigenome, impacting development and disease risk. Further research is needed to understand these epigenetic alterations for personalized prevention and treatment.

Keywords:

DNA methylation aging arsenic asbestos endocrine disruptors exposures metals microRNA

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Area of Science:

Environmental epigenetics
Toxicology
Genomics

Background:

Epigenetic programming is crucial for development and is influenced by environmental factors.
Epigenetic alterations are linked to various diseases, including cancer and aging.
Existing research highlights associations between specific exposures and epigenetic changes.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the relationship between environmental factors and epigenetic alterations.
To explore genome-wide assessments for defining these relationships.
To discuss potential mechanisms and future research directions.

Main Methods:

Literature review of epigenetic programming, metabolism, and environmental exposures.
Analysis of studies on environmental factors and epigenetic states in development, cancer, and aging.
Discussion of genome-wide assessments and novel technologies.

Main Results:

Environmental exposures, including asbestos, alcohol, radiation, arsenic, air pollution, and endocrine disruptors, are associated with epigenetic alterations.
Epigenetic changes linked to aging may reflect cumulative environmental exposures.
Potential mechanisms by which exposures modify epigenetic states are proposed.

Conclusions:

Understanding environmental impacts on the human epigenome requires further epidemiologic studies and advanced technologies.
A comprehensive view of epigenome modifications, considering genetic background, can improve toxicity prediction.
This knowledge may facilitate personalized disease prevention and treatment strategies.