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[Epigenetics 2.0: The multiple faces of the genome]
1Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires. mrubins@dna.uba.ar.
Vertex (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
|March 11, 2017
Summary
Epigenetics explores how environmental factors and experiences influence gene expression and behavior, impacting traits and disease susceptibility. Research suggests potential epigenetic links to temperament and mental health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Epigenetics bridges stable genotypes and variable phenotypes.
- Psychiatry acknowledges genetic predisposition alongside environmental influences in diseases like schizophrenia.
- Recent discoveries have amplified interest in epigenetics, necessitating clarification of factual knowledge versus speculation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of epigenetic mechanisms in gene expression and behavior.
- To explore potential epigenetic modifications related to temperament, childhood experiences, and mental health conditions.
- To differentiate between established epigenetic facts and ongoing hypotheses.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on molecular and behavioral genetics.
- Analysis of findings from laboratory animal experiments.
- Examination of concordance rates in monozygotic twins for genetically predisposed diseases.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic mechanisms explain how environmental factors modify gene expression and behavior.
- Animal studies suggest plausible links between epigenetic variants and temperament, long-lasting DNA marks from adverse experiences, and mental health states.
- Concordance rates in twins highlight the interplay of genetics and environment.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic variants may influence human temperament and behavior.
- Environmental factors and experiences can lead to lasting epigenetic modifications.
- Further research is needed to establish definitive scientific proof for many epigenetic hypotheses in humans.
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