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Related Concept Videos

Gene-Environment Interactions01:20

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...
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

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.
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.
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype02:27

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Toxicokinetics: Overview01:21

Toxicokinetics: Overview

Studies that assess how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted (ADME) at toxic doses are termed toxicokinetics. Understanding toxicokinetics helps predict adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and manage toxicity in humans.Toxicokinetics differs from pharmacokinetics mainly in the dose levels studied, with toxicokinetics focusing on higher toxic doses. The kinetics at these levels can be non-linear due to altered physiological processes. Toxicodynamics examines the relationship...

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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants

Published on: March 6, 2018

Epigenetics in an ecotoxicological context.

Michiel B Vandegehuchte1, Colin R Janssen1

  • 1Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University (UGent), Jozef Plateaustraat 22, 9000 Gent, Belgium.

Mutation Research. Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis
|September 6, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Epigenetics, particularly DNA methylation, influences how organisms respond to environmental stressors and chemical exposures. These epigenetic changes can be passed down through generations, offering potential for stress resistance and adaptation.

Keywords:
ChemicalsDNA methylationEpigenetic changesPhenotypeStress ecologyTransgenerational stress resistance

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Area of Science:

  • Ecotoxicology
  • Epigenetics
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • Epigenetic mechanisms, primarily DNA methylation, are crucial in mediating interactions between species and their environment.
  • Technological advancements have enabled the study of epigenetic features in diverse ecologically relevant species.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of epigenetics in ecotoxicology, focusing on how environmental factors and chemical exposures induce epigenetic modifications.
  • To investigate the potential for transgenerational inheritance of stress resistance and adaptation through epigenetic changes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing studies on epigenetic alterations in various species (plants, invertebrates, fish, mammals) exposed to environmental stressors and chemicals.
  • Analysis of field studies examining epigenetic patterns in organisms from contaminated environments.

Main Results:

  • Environmental factors like nutrition, temperature, and chemical pollutants (pesticides, hydrocarbons, metals) induce epigenetic changes in multiple species.
  • Evidence suggests transgenerational stress resistance and adaptation to chemical exposure via epigenetic modifications, as seen in rice and earthworms.
  • Field studies link DNA methylation patterns to arsenic tolerance in earthworms and tumor development in flatfish.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic changes can lead to transgenerationally inherited stress-induced phenotypes and adaptation to long-term chemical exposure.
  • Key research gaps include understanding causality between epigenetic and phenotypic changes, persistence of effects, population-level implications, and the costs of tolerance.
  • Investigating epigenetic responses to multiple stressors is a promising future research direction.