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Epigenetics

 Epigenetics: The reprogramming of genes 

By this time, I am definitely sure most of you have realised the change in our environment and lifestyle are the major causes of various diseases and disorders. Epigenetics is one such study probing to identify and reason the effect of environment and behaviour on gene expression. In other words, it is a study on the changes in the surrounding to lead to changes in gene expression. 

Does this mean there is a change in the DNA sequence causing mutation? that is a definite NO. The DNA sequence is not changed in any way, but the process of reading all the sequence of genes is changed. Hence, this causes the functioning of the proteins to vary, thereby either strengthening or weakening the biological mechanism of an organism. 

Gene expression functions by binary characteristics of either being turned 'on' or 'off'. This particular term gene is simply a portion of the long-chained DNA sequence coding for a particular protein. As knowing protein, they carry a function. To either turn 'on' or 'off' a function or an expression, the production of that particular protein should be permitted or inhibited. This is done by either reading or not reading the gene sequencing coding for the protein. Thus, this leads to the simple mechanism of epigenetics controlling gene expression by changing environment and behaviour. 

Epigenetic change can either be added or removed throughout life in response to the changes in the environment or behaviour, for example, cancer is one such.

Some of the most common types of this process of epigenetics are DNA methylation, histone modification and RNA associated silencing.

  • DNA Methylation 
Methylation is a process used to stop gene transcription (copying of DNA) by adding a methyl group to the DNA sequence. This is the same process used with epigenetic change at specific points on the DNA to prevent the reading of a particular gene, thereby inhibiting the production and functioning of the protein coded by that particular gene.
  • Histone Modification 
Histone is a protein to which the DNA coils around. The presence of this protein wrapping of the DNA prevents some parts of the sequence to not be read. This cascading process leads to turning 'off' specific gene expression.
  • RNA Associated Silencing 

RNA is a single-stranded chain of molecules that have a set of copied gene codes from DNA. RNA functions by reading the DNA codes and transferring the genetic information within the cell, or helps with control of genetic expression. This control of gene expression is modified by binding to certain protein molecules like histone. Henceforth leading to either read or to not read the genes.

(Source : National institute of health, 2018)

In summary, being considerate of the current lifestyle shapes the mechanical health of the body, this is dwelled in the study of epigenetics. 

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