Epigenetics
Genes are not destiny
Epigenetics
Whether we develop cancer or are spared it, whether we live to a ripe old age or die far too young, can be anchored in our genes. Until now, this was believed to be an inevitable fate. Just like whether you are temperamental or calm, tall or short. Epigenetics teaches us that our experiences, our behavior, our environment and our lifestyle are almost always more important than our genes.
In recent decades, research into epigenetics has opened up new perspectives on the relationship between genes, lifestyle and health. Epigenetic mechanisms can not only help us to better understand diseases, but also actively influence our health. To a large extent, we can control our genetic make-up ourselves and thus take our fate into our own hands.
What does epigenetics mean?
Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes are reversible and do not alter the DNA sequence. And yet they can change the way your body reads a DNA sequence.
The effects of our behavior
What did you have for breakfast this morning? Do you exercise regularly? Are periods of tension always followed by periods of relaxation in your life? Was your mother’s pregnancy a happy one for you?
Why do we ask such questions?
As trivial as these may sound, they all touch on the topic of your epigenetics. Pregnancy, together with the first years of your life and puberty, are among the formative phases of your epigenetics and gene expression. The latter refers to which genes are switched on and off – and this is exactly what epigenetics is all about. On or off? This depends on two mechanisms: DNA methylation and the modification of histone proteins. That sounds complicated, and it is. But the only thing that matters is that you can influence it.
Background knowledge on epigenetics
What does epigenetics mean?
Epigenetics investigates how genes are regulated by environmental factors and behaviors without changing the underlying DNA sequence. An illustrative example of epigenetic regulation comes from the famous Dutch Hunger Winter study. Children whose mothers were undernourished during pregnancy had a higher risk of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems later in life. These epigenetic changes often only become apparent decades later and illustrate that our environmental conditions can have a long-term impact on gene activity.
Background knowledge on epigenetics
Epigenetics as the origin of many diseases
Many chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases are linked to epigenetic changes. While genetic mutations cause permanent damage, epigenetic changes are potentially reversible, making them a promising target for preventive and therapeutic approaches. Studies show that environmental factors such as smoking, pollution and a high-fat diet can set epigenetic markers that lead to dysregulation of gene expression.
Epigenetics – the new look at common diseases
Traditionally, the development of common diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure or cancer has been seen as the result of a genetic predisposition plus lifestyle. But this simplistic approach falls short. Epigenetics shows that it is not just about what we eat or whether we exercise, but how these lifestyle factors switch genes on or off at a molecular level. One particularly revealing example is the effect of exercise on DNA methylation. A study by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden has shown that regular physical activity triggers epigenetic changes in muscle cells that can have a positive impact on health.
The biology of forgiveness – transgenerational epigenetics
Emotional and psychological states such as stress, trauma and forgiveness also play an important role in epigenetics. Studies suggest that psychological trauma not only affects the life of the person affected, but can also leave epigenetic traces in their offspring. For example, studies of Holocaust survivors and their offspring have shown that trauma can leave epigenetic changes in stress response genes that increase the risk of depression and anxiety disorders. On the other hand, actively forgiving and resolving emotional conflicts – for example through therapy or mindfulness-based practices – can also influence epigenetic markers. Forgiveness, researchers hypothesize, could help reduce stress and lower the risk of chronic inflammation, which in turn plays a role in many common diseases.
Epigenetics – the path to freedom and personal responsibility?
Perhaps the most important insight from epigenetics is that we are not helplessly at the mercy of the whims of our genes. Our genes are plastic, and we have the ability to influence gene activity through conscious life choices. Healthy eating, exercise, stress management and social relationships have a profound effect on epigenetics. This is not just about prevention, but also about influencing the fate of future generations. Epigenetics gives us a sense of freedom, but also of responsibility – not only for ourselves, but also for our children and grandchildren. A health-conscious lifestyle can set epigenetic markers that protect the next generation.
Test epigenetics
By analyzing methylation profiles, histone modifications and miRNAs, we can understand more precisely how environment and lifestyle influence our health and how epigenetic changes contribute to disease. These tests are crucial to develop personalized health strategies and to better understand the molecular mechanisms behind chronic diseases. There are now commercial tests that use epigenetic markers to determine disease risk. For example: epiAge tests: These tests are based on epigenetic markers that determine a person’s biological age. The test analyzes the methylation patterns at specific sites in the genome that correlate with age. One example is the “Horvath clock” test, which is widely used to estimate biological age.
A new era of preventive medicine
Epigenetics marks the beginning of a new era in medicine, in which genes are not understood as rigid destiny, but as a dynamic system that is influenced by our actions. These findings open up enormous potential, both for the prevention of diseases and for therapy. By understanding how our environment and our behaviour work at a molecular level, we can not only optimize our own health, but also shape the future of our descendants.
Sources:
- Spork, Peter (2017). “Health is no coincidence – How genes shape life.” Random House FSC
- Heijmans, B.T., et al. (2008). “Persistent epigenetic differences associated with prenatal exposure to famine in humans.” PNAS.
- Esteller, M. (2008). “Epigenetics in cancer.” New England Journal of Medicine.
- Pembrey, M.E., et al. (2006). “Transgenerational effects of early life nutrition.” Nature.
- Nitert, M.D., et al. (2012). “Exercise modifies the epigenetic regulation of genes.” Diabetologia.
- Yehuda, R., et al. (2016). “Holocaust exposure induced intergenerational effects on FKBP5 methylation.” Biological Psychiatry.
- Kiecolt-Glaser, J.K., et al. (2015). “Forgiveness, stress, and health.” Journal of Health Psychology.
- Weaver, I.C.G., et al. (2004). “Epigenetic programming by maternal behavior.” Nature Neuroscience.
