Cultural Differences May Leave Their Mark on DNA
A UC San Francisco-led study has identified signatures of ethnicity in the genome that appear to reflect an ethnic group’s shared culture and environment, rather than its common genetic ancestry.The study examined DNA methylation — an “annotation” of DNA that alters gene expression without changing the genomic sequence itself — in a group of diverse Latino children. Methylation is one type of “epigenetic mark” that previous research has shown can be either inherited or altered by life experience. The researchers identified several hundred differences in methylation associated with either Mexican or Puerto Rican ethnicity, but discovered that only three-quarters of the epigenetic difference between the two ethnic subgroups could be accounted for by differences in the children’s genetic ancestry. The rest of the epigenetic differences, the authors suggest, may reflect a biological stamp made by the different experiences, practices, and environmental exposures distinct to the two ethnic subgroups.
Picture : Pixabay
Epigenetics
Epigenetics seems like the new magic subject in the world of medical science. In simplified terms, epigenetics is the study of biological mechanisms that will switch genes on and off. These biological mechanism are brought through by hereditary, cultural, race, dietary reasons and many more. Article below explains it pretty well.
A Super Brief and Basic Explanation of Epigenetics for Total Beginners
The study of epigenetics seem to correlate our genes with multiple medical and behavioural problems in us such as Cancer, Mental retardation disorders, Immunity & related disorders, Neuropsychiatric disorders, Pediatric syndromes.
Article Epigenetics fundamentals
This involves in a wide array of problems and diseases such as addictions, depressions and cancer. The good news however is that it is reversible!
- 3 Key Facts About Depression And Brain Damage: The Good News, Backed By Science
- Using epigenetics to help the immune system fight ovarian cancer
Epigenetics also reverses aging!!?? What?
Article: Aging Is Reversible—at Least in Human Cells and Live Mice
My knowledge of this subject is just at it's surface and may not be accurate. My first impression of epigenetics is of fascination and hope. If you wish to know more check out these Steemians:
@marsresident https://steemit.com/biohacking/@marsresident/biological-immortality
@futuristocracy https://steemit.com/epigenetics/@futuristocracy/on-human-nature-a-multi-part-series-part-ii
@tonyoramos1 https://steemit.com/science/@tonyoramos1/what-is-epigenetics-and-why-does-it-affect-you
@sterlinluxan https://steemit.com/psychology/@sterlinluxan/addiction-is-not-a-disease
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Thank you very much! really appreciate it! please keep up the good work!
I should probably write a post explaining epigenetics and the current thinking of inheritance of the methylated DNA. I will add it to my list of topics to cover.
Please do so :)
yes please do. Would appreciate it. thank you.
Great, then I will for sure :)
Its fascinating, and all of the information is really coming to light in the past few years. Some of my friends have made some recent strides in the area working on DNA Methyl Transferrase 1 (DNMT1) in humans (which is part of the puzzle of how the Cytosines get methylated (that is the modification that regulates gene expression, the epigenetic modification). Really interesting stuff.
Yes followed you, Would really love to understand more! Hopefully with nanoparticles and gene therapy we can rid of the terrible cancer diseases. Thank you.
Thanks for the follow, I appreciate it. I am working on another post about antibodies at the moment (for my next longer post) but I will make epigenetics my very next one after this is completed.
aye for sure, all your contents are very educational thank you.
Epigenetics has fascinated me a lot. It really shows how your mind and environment can change your gene expression. Illnesses take on a much different meaning when you learn more about this subject. Thanks for sharing.
Agreed. Shows how much we are connected to everything.. thank you for commenting.