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Related Concept Videos

Nature and Nurture01:10

Nature and Nurture

Many human characteristics, like height, are shaped by both nature—in other words, by our genes—and by nurture, or our environment. For example, chronic stress during childhood inhibits the production of growth hormones and consequently reduces bone growth and height. Scientists estimate that 70-90% of variation in height is due to genetic differences among individuals, and 10-30% of variation in height is due to differences in the environments that individuals experience, such as differences...
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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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Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

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Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

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Epigenetics: the link between nature and nurture.

Stephanie A Tammen1, Simonetta Friso, Sang-Woon Choi

  • 1Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging - Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA. stephanie.tammen@tufts.edu

Molecular Aspects of Medicine
|August 22, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Epigenetic marks regulate gene expression without changing DNA sequence, influencing traits and disease risk. Environmental factors can alter these epigenetic patterns throughout life, impacting phenotypes.

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Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Eukaryotic somatic cells share the same genome but differ in structure and function due to unique gene expression patterns established during cellular differentiation.
  • Cell-specific gene expression can be modified by environmental factors throughout an organism's life, potentially altering disease risk.
  • Epigenetic marks, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and microRNA (miRNA), explain cell-specific gene expression and environmentally mediated changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of epigenetic modifications in mediating the relationship between environmental factors and phenotypic changes.
  • To understand how epigenetic patterns bridge life experiences and observable traits.
  • To investigate how environmental cues influence epigenetic patterns and gene transcription.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current research on epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and miRNA.
  • Analysis of how these epigenetic marks alter gene transcription without changing the underlying DNA sequence.
  • Examination of the impact of environmental factors on epigenetic patterns.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic patterns are dynamic and can change throughout an organism's lifespan due to factors like early life experiences, environmental exposures, and nutritional status.
  • Environmental influences on epigenetic signatures can affect appearance, behavior, stress response, disease susceptibility, and longevity.
  • Epigenetic modifications provide a mechanism through which environmental factors interact with the genome to influence gene expression and phenotype.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetics serves as a crucial link between environmental exposures and phenotypic outcomes, offering insights into disease development and human traits.
  • Understanding the interplay between different epigenetic modifications and environmental cues is key to elucidating how gene transcription is altered.
  • Epigenetic mechanisms offer potential targets for interventions aimed at mitigating disease risk associated with environmental factors.