Introduction
In recent years, scientists have made significant discoveries in the field of epigenetics. There was a long-held assumption that lifestyle choices cannot affect the genetics of future generations. Recent research shows that an individual’s life experiences can be passed to children and other subsequent generations in a process called transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. These individual occurrences alter parts of DNA that switch genes on or off. This results in people growing up with changes in their genetics that are a result of the lifestyle choices of their parents or grandparents. This paper will review the environmental and dietary aspects of epigenetics and show how the research can be useful in understanding genetics.
Epigenetics
In recent years, scholars have demonstrated new knowledge of genetics. Epigenetics can be viewed as the study of how behaviors and the environment can impact the functioning of genes in the body (Sedley, 2020). The regulation of gene expression is a result of modifications in the chromatic structure, histone tails, and nucleotides (Sedley, 2020). The changes do not alter the DNA sequence, which signifies that the inheritable change occurs on the phenotype but not the genotype (Sedley, 2020). The inflexibility of epigenetics can be blamed on the vast majority of diseases including obesity, metabolic diseases, and complex multi-system conditions. Research in epigenetics has shown that epigenomes can be manipulated to treat diseases. This is essential because it creates a way for scientists to create solutions to some of the neurological conditions that have affected humans. The increase in knowledge of epigenetics can be linked to the advances in technology.
DNA methylation is a term that refers to the epigenetic mark that is essential for the regulation of gene expression (Sedley, 2020). It is a way of modifying the epigenome to treat diseases. In histone methylation, the repressive histone residue is structurally changed, which prevents gene expression (Sedley, 2020). The epigenetic patterns are considered unique to each cell in the human body. Scientists have advanced research on the ways methylation can be applied to aid the treatment of diseases. The findings show that there are avenues that can be pursued, which can lead to effective results. The main behaviors that have been studied as causing transgenerational epigenetic inheritance are drug use and stress. Ferber et al. (2020) indicate that stressors and drug use can cause changes in the phenotype, which can then be transferred to children and grandchildren. The environment is also viewed as a crucial factor that can impact gene expression.
Environment
One of the aspects that have been indicated as significantly affecting the epigenome is the environment. One of the issues that were highlighted by research is that drug use can inhibit certain genes, which can then result in alterations in the individual’s epigenome. This is evident in the interactions between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and environmental stressors. The ECS is essential because it protects the brain from being affected by excessive excitatory or inhibitory activity (Ferber et al., 2020). A dysfunctional ECS system can expose a person’s brain to extreme states that involve the compromise of other processes in the body. Ferber et al. (2020) state that the match-mismatch theory can be used to explain the effects of the environment on gene programming. The model indicates that interaction between early programming and an inappropriate environment for that programming can be attributed to adult pathology.
Another aspect is that stressful conditions alter the epigenetics of individuals. The presence of traumatic instances in a person’s life can result in certain genes being inhibited (Sedley 2020). This can then be passed on to other generations, which indicates the impact of stress on the epigenome. These changes can be significant to the point of causing neurological problems in individuals. Processes such as histone modification can be attributed to instances where genes are turned on or off (Sedley, 2022). This is based on research that was conducted on mice, which indicated that epigenetics marks are altered by stressful conditions (Ferber et al., 2020). The study on mice showed that disorders such as depression can be linked to the experiences of stress in subsequent offspring. This enhances the view that traumatic events that create stress have a significant impact on the epigenome. The result can be the development of different neurological conditions.
Diet
Diet is an important part of human physiology as it contributes to the advancement of life. Traditional diets have been associated with better health and longevity. This can be evidenced by the recent increase in diseases such as hypertension. The change from traditional diets to modern foods that include fast foods creates alterations in the DNA, which can result in the development of diseases. Sedley (2020) indicates that a rapidly changing diet and environment can be linked to the modifications of the epigenome. Another aspect is that the presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere can change gene expression. Previous studies have indicated that humans do not metabolize methane. However, current research has shown that methane-rich saline can change immune function (Sedley, 2020). The increase in levels of greenhouse gases can result in more incidences of variations in the gene composition of individuals.
Supplements that are provided to mothers can also be considered as dietary conditions that promote epigenetics. Sedley (2020) shows that the offspring of mothers who have supplemented with folic acid have a higher chance of being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Fortification and use of supplements result in the presence of high levels of unmetabolized folates (Sedley 2020). The effects on expectant mothers are reduced fetal growth, gestational development, and utilization of proteins (Sedley, 2020). High doses of folates during pregnancy have also been associated with excitatory activity in neurons. This can be attributed to the failure of the brain to convert certain neurotransmitters. The inability creates neurological disorders such as stiff person syndrome, cerebellar ataxia, Miller-Fisher syndrome, and epilepsy (Sedley, 2020). Therefore, changes from traditional dietary practices that enhance health and longevity can impact the DNA of future generations.
Application of Epigenetics Research
One of the applications of the research on epigenetics is the treatment of diseases. The main purpose of using technology to understand how behaviors and the environment impact genetics is to create solutions to some neurological disorders. The effects of stress, drug abuse, and the environment on gene expression show that there is a link between impaired genes and diseases. Sedley (2020) notes that the supplementation of folates is a leading cause of developmental issues in the fetus. These impacts can also be evident during the development of a child and can manifest as ailments such as autism spectrum disorder. Treatment of complex illnesses can be done through DNA methylation. The process involves the addition of methyl groups to DNA molecules (Sedley, 2020). The alteration creates a DNA segment with different activities but does not change the sequence. The use of DNA methylation to enhance disease prognosis and treatment response provides avenues for doctors to exploit. Therefore, research in epigenetics can help provide solutions to complex diseases that have impacted society significantly.
Another application is that the body of knowledge on epigenetics can be used to enhance the technology that is applied to understanding genetics. Researchers rely on structures and models to create important findings on certain topics (Ferber et al., 2020). The need to provide more information on epigenetics can create a need for better and more effective technologies that provide clear and efficient observations. This can benefit scientists and individuals who may require urgent solutions. The exploration of epigenetics has changed the knowledge of complex illnesses. Therefore, creating solutions for illnesses and helping advance the information on epigenetics are the two major uses of research on epigenetics.
Conclusion
In summary, epigenetics has greatly advanced in the last 10 years due to rapid technology. The current research shows that diet and the environment are two major factors that can help scholars understand the link between individual life experiences and phenotype changes. The studies on epigenetics are crucial as they have resulted in the creation of ways to cure certain diseases and have helped advance knowledge on the topic.
References
Ferber, S. G., Roth, T. L., & Weller, A. (2020). Epigenetic fragility of the endocannabinoid system under stress: risk for mood disorders and pharmacogenomic implications. Epigenomics, 12(8), 657-660. Web.
Sedley, L. (2020). Advances in Nutritional Epigenetics—A Fresh Perspective for an Old Idea. Lessons Learned, Limitations, and Future Directions. Epigenetics Insights, 13, 2516865720981924. Web.