Epigenetics and inheritance: How our genes can change more than we imagine. Discover how epigenetics influences genetic inheritance.

🔬 What is epigenetics?

Epigenetics is a branch of molecular biology that studies heritable modifications in gene expression that do not involve alterations in the primary DNA sequence. These modifications include processes such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and regulation by non-coding RNA, all mechanisms that modulate gene activity in a precise and dynamic manner. Epigenetics and inheritance: How our genes can change more than we imagine.

Essentially, epigenetics acts as a "master switch" that determines which genes are activated or silenced in response to environmental, physiological, and social factors.

👨💼 Epigenetics and inheritance: beyond DNA

Traditionally, biological inheritance was conceived as a process solely dependent on the transmission of information encoded in DNA. However, recent discoveries in epigenetics reveal that epigenetic patterns can also be transmitted to offspring.

A striking historical example is the "Dutch Famine" of 1944-45, where maternal malnutrition altered DNA methylation in offspring, affecting their metabolism and risk of cardiovascular disease (Lumey et al., 2007). Discover how epigenetics influences genetic inheritance and how factors such as

📚 Epigenetic transmission: the legacy beyond the genome

Epigenetic transmission is the process by which gene regulation patterns, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, are inherited from one generation to the next without alterations in the nucleotide sequence. This implies that environmental, nutritional, or emotional events that affect parents can directly influence the gene expression of their offspring, and potentially future generations.

🌿 Can we modify our epigenetics?

One of the most fascinating properties of epigenetics is its plasticity. Unlike genetic mutations, epigenetic changes can be reversible under certain conditions.

Factors that can reshape our epigenetic landscape include:

• Precision nutrition : Molecules such as folate, choline, and vitamin B12 act as methyl group donors, essential for DNA methylation (Choi & Friso, 2010).

• Physical exercise : Aerobic activity has been shown to modify histone acetylation, improving the expression of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory genes.

• Stress regulation : Interventions such as mindfulness meditation impact the expression of genes related to inflammation and cellular aging (Kaliman et al., 2014).

• Toxin-free environment : Reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors, such as phthalates and bisphenols, preserves a healthy epigenetic profile.

🔄 Epigenetic reversibility: the hope of changing our destiny

The concept of epigenetic reversibility maintains that, through nutritional, behavioral, or pharmacological interventions, it is possible to reverse aberrant epigenetic patterns that predispose to disease. Studies in animal and human models suggest that positive lifestyle changes can restore the expression of protective genes, reducing the risk of pathologies such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.

🔧 Mutations and epigenetics: an ongoing dialogue

The relationship between genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations is bidirectional. While some mutations affect key epigenetic genes (e.g., DNMT3A or TET2 in cancer), certain aberrant epigenetic changes can predispose to the development of somatic mutations.

Currently, therapeutic strategies known as "epigenetic editing" seek to correct genetic errors through precise modulation of the epigenome, opening up a promising avenue for the treatment of pathologies such as hematological malignancies and neurodegenerative diseases.

🎉 Conclusion: Epigenetics redefines inheritance

References:

• Lumey, L.H., Stein, A.D., & Susser, E. (2007). Prenatal famine and adult health. Annual Review of Public Health, 28, 1-22.

• Choi, S.W., & Friso, S. (2010). Epigenetics: A New Bridge between Nutrition and Health. Advances in Nutrition, 1(1), 8-16.

• Kaliman, P., et al. (2014). Rapid changes in histone deacetylases and inflammatory gene expression in expert meditators. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 40, 96-107.