Epigenetics as the Study of Changes in Gene Expression Associated with the Phenotype - Essay Example

Epigenetics Affiliation Epigenetics Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression associated with the phenotype and not changes in genotype. Through the study of epigenetics, we consider the dynamic alterations not associated with human deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) but with human behavior and surroundings. Epigenetics dictates an individual physical appearance and characteristics. Epigenetics is the study associated with the study of the epigenome and how it can be altered to bring a better future for mankind. The video demonstrates hope for scientists and health practitioners in dealing with future epigenome medical issues. Altering the mice epigenome so that they can produce thin, brown mice rather than fat, yellow ones means that epigenetics is close to curing some of the diseases considered as inherited. In the video, the pregnant rats are fed diets rich in methyl groups to form tags that can turn genes off. This experiment proves successful in mice as the coat color was shifted producing many more brown mice. The epigenetic fix when the mothers were pregnant resulted to a consequent produce of brown mice. Use of environmental toxin on the mice instead of nutrients produced more yellow mice doomed to grow fat and sick like their mothers. This video shows that in humans, epigenomes change in relation to what we eat, smoke or drink. The video shows that, in younger twins the epigenome is almost similar but as the twins grow older, epigenomes change dramatically and especially when they are subjected to different lifestyles. The research conducted on Sandra Shelby and Roy Cantwell using epigenetic therapy aimed at changing the instructions of the cancer cells through genes reactivation is a step closer to solving modern day killer diseases like cancer and leukemia. This video cautions us from engaging in activities that can mess up our genomes. According to the video, humans are what they eat and what their parents and grandparents eat. Unlike the genome, the epigenome is subject to change affecting our future generations and humans should be responsible as there is hope for the future. Heijmans, Tobi, Stein, Putter, Blauw, Susser, Slagboom and Lumey (2008) conducted a research testing whether differences in IGF2 DMR methylation was as a result of exposure to the Dutch Hunger famine. Their study involved 60 individuals exposed to famine during their very early stages of development. Heijmans et al. (2008) compared these 60 individuals with others to achieve partial genetic matching using a quantitative mass spectrometry method. The study showed lower IGF2 DMR methylation among individuals exposed to famine compared to their unexposed same-sex siblings. These data indicates that famine underlines IGF2 hypomethylation and may relate to deficiencies in methyl donors including but not limited to amino acid methionine. Heijmans et al. (2008) research provides the first evidence that environmental conditions experienced in early development can be recorded as epigenetic related information. The study showed exposure to famine late in gestation did not affect IGF2 DMR methylation, Heijmans et al. (2008) concludes that epigenetics marks are established and maintained during early stages of the development of humans. According to Heijmans et al. (2008), exposure to famine at a late stage led to low birth weight and not epigenetic changes. This study is contrary to the developmental origin hypothesis and use of low birth weight as a cause of diseases in prenatal development. In his research, Heijmans et al. (2008) states that these findings are relevant to understanding development and health. These results also suggest new ways to deal with diseases associated with epigenetics such as coronary heart failure, asthma, diabetes, and schizophrenia. Epigenetics brings new perspectives on old problems and analytical tools that will prove necessary in the future. In light of my family, epigenetics has played a role in shaping our behavior in dealing with current issues. The long history of allergies passed from parents to their children in my family is an epigenetic issue. These allergies were thought to be an inevitable problem but with the study of epigenetics this might not be the case. According to the video, the epigenome can be modified through what we eat shaping the future of my family and preventing children from acquiring these allergies. If children are subjected to early constructive therapy and mothers advised on what to do during pregnancies then this disorder can be eradicated. Another issue affecting my family and especially the women in my family is the ability not to deal with stressful situations. Women in my family cannot maintain calm in times of disaster or during stressful situations, and mostly they empty their frustrations on an innocent individual. This issue was over the years considered as a genetic inheritance, and we all came to understand that and acknowledged its existence. Through epigenetics, however, we can change the epigenome and help women in my family cope with stressful issues in a better way. According to Heijmann et al. (2008) epigenetic variations are highly likely to take effect when altered during the early stages of development. Children will be tailored in a manner that will change the unnecessary behavior and by changing the current generation’s behavior we change that of the future generations. According to the video, an improved diet changed the appearance of newborn mice and resulted in future brown mice. The Vitality Compass indicates a life expectancy of 76.8 years, a healthy life expectancy free of cancer and heart diseases at 66.7 years, and an accrued life of 0.7 years due to life habits. As the video states that we are what we eat, the Vitality Compass test has provided guidelines on how I can gain an extra 20.9 years by optimizing my lifestyle. The Vitality Compass suggests that fish is an essential commodity due to their high levels of omega 3 fatty acids promoting an excellent heart and brain health and would increase a total of 438 days. A little faith as the Vitality Compass suggests conveys health benefits and would result in an increased 280 days. A research conducted by Vitality Compass showed that those who attended a service even once a month saw a 30 percent reduced risk of death. Vitality Compass also suggests that I should pay attention to my emotions and improve my attitude. Paying attention to my emotions and improving my attitude would lead to an increased 499 days in total. Healthy eating by cutting out the junk food, adding vegetables, fruit, and whole grains would lead to an increased 499 days in total. Physical exercises a day will do great to an individual’s health and could involve walking more, taking regular breaks to move around and exercising more vigorously. Vitality Compass also encourages fostering friendship and engaging in social and group activities. Nurturing my friendship, for example, would increase a total of 24 days to my life. Reducing salt intakes is necessary as it helps lower blood pressure reducing the risk of heart diseases and stroke. According to the Vitality Compass, reducing salt intakes would make me gain an additional 122 days. Based on all the above there are several things I can do to improve my health and longevity. First of all I would engage in a better diet comprised of seafood, whole grain and vegetables among other body building products. Once the diet is improved, managing my physical life would be the next thing. Taking daily exercises and engaging in rigorous physical training at least once a week would increase my longevity and improve my health. Another thing would be the reduction of salt intakes and junk food. As difficult and impractical this seems, the outcome is quite impressive. The reduced salt intake would keep me healthy and give me a good long life. The final thing to improve my health and increase longevity would be improving on my social and group activities. A group discussion once a week or even friends to confide in would do the trick. This practice will also improve on my attitude, anxiety and fostering friendships leading to a long healthy life. References Heijmans, B. T., E. W. Tobi, A. D. Stein, H. Putter, G. J. Blauw, E. S. Susser, P. E. Slagboom, and L. H. Lumey. "Persistent Epigenetic Differences Associated with Prenatal Exposure to Famine in Humans." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 105.44 (2008): 17046-7049. Web. . Read More