As early as grade school, students were taught that the DNA is responsible for shaping every inch of the human body. It dictates the color of the eyes, the length of the hair, the body shape, body height, foot size, and many more; these characteristics are passed on from generation to generation. Aside however from these, certain illnesses are passed on or at least bring about risks for the next of kin, for example: diabetes, cognitive dysfunction, hypertension or high blood pressure, and yes, cancer. These illnesses are associated with changes in the genes of a human being.
Historical Background
Epigenetics refers to the study of possibly heritable alterations in gene expression (color of hair, growth rate of cells, etc.) without changing the DNA sequence itself. The term was coined by a respected scientist, Conrad H. Waddington in 1942, but the idea of epigenetics began from a genetics and developmental biology research conducted by Waddington and a fellow respected scientist, Ernst Hadorn. These changes may sound synthetic but these happen naturally and on a regular basis.
The alterations can be influenced by surrounding factors such as age, lifestyle (especially vices: smoking, alcoholism, or illegal drug usage), and/or disease state. Cell differentiation or the manner in which cells end up (skin cells, liver cells, brain cells, heart cells, etc) are common epigenetic modifications and are essential for normal development. However, some modifications are dangerous and can result in diseases like cancer.
Epigenetics Evolution
Since the discovery of this study, many scientists became engrossed as they delved deeper into its scope and found different epigenetic modifications namely: DNA Methylation, Chromatin Remodeling, Histone Modifications, and Non-Coding RNA Mechanisms. Individual lifestyle and environmental factors were linked to these changes and may also be reflected as a baby develops and matures, and even passed on to the next generation.
Clinical Applications
Epigenetic diseases are becoming more complex and more are slowly becoming untreatable. But according to scientists, epigenetic modifications are reversible. Cancer is the frequently associated with epigenetics and is a hot topic amongst medical practitioners. It is commonly fatal yet numbers of survivors are growing. The tumors associated with cancer are formed from overgrowth of cells at an alarming rate, disrupting normal body functions. Cancer has no definite set of underlying symptoms, nor does it have a vaccine.
It has already taken the lives of many and is still damaging the lives of countless individuals. There are many more hereditary diseases that are linked to epigenesis including autism, autoimmune diseases (e.g.psoriasis), and mental retardation disorders (e.g. Rett Syndrome, BWS, Prader-Willi Syndrome). Gaining control over epigenetic modifications could theoretically cure cancer, even isolate and remove the gene responsible for cancer development, or at least develop new protocols for cancer diagnosis.
Epigenetic modifications are natural and essential for development yet it is still up to the person to make sure no other unnecessary changes occur that cause harm to him and to his kin. The success of the studies would be the biggest leap in science and medicine. Technology gave scientists hope to trace and map 20, 000+ genes in the human body, giving them also a chance to unlock the mystery of human evolution, and even save lives. The field of epigenetics is quickly expanding and with it, more questions are answered.
