Epigenetics refers to a change in the manner by which genes express themselves. This occurs without alteration of the genes themselves. The molecule strands that make up the DNA receive additional information which changes the instruction that is given to the gene. Epigenetics can best be explained with the example of highlighters being used to mark different parts of a textbook. An individual could use a blue highlighter for the topics and subtopics. A green highlighter could be used for the main points whereas a purple highlighter could be used for additional information. Therefore, if a human being’s DNA is the textbook, it shall be easy to give a summary of the book using the blue and green sections. The change of instruction to the cells from the DNA is what is referred to as epigenetics.
Epigenetics is based on the epigenome. The genome is the sequence of genetic information that is in the DNA whereas the epigenome is the complex modification that is associated with genomic DNA and therefore imparts a unique cellular or developmental identity. New insights in the study of epigenetics have been arrived at from the stud of twins. The question behind the study is: What contributes to the differences in identical twins when their genetic components are exactly the same. In some scenarios when Twin A is diagnosed with a chronic disease, it is highly likely that Twin B shall have the same disease as well. This does not happen in some cases because of epigenetics. The epigenome is superior to the genome and therefore it has control over the genome in terms of instructions. Genes express themselves differently because of the different instructions that they receive. The differences may be more pronounced when the twins have different lifestyle choices or interact with the different environments. Further success in the epigenetic study has shown the likelihood of using epigenetics in the management of chronic illnesses such as cancer. Management of cancer can be done by changing the instructions that are received by the genome.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Studies in epigenetics have revealed that DNA sequence is not the only factor responsible for a person's genes. The epigenetic study has shown the ability of the epigenome to switch on and off genes and offer instructions on the proteins to be transcribed. Epigenetic silencing occurs in three different ways. There is RNA-Silencing, Histone modification and also DNA Methylation. The RNA can turn off a gene by triggering histone medications, DNA methylation and also causing heterochromatin. DNA methylation adds a methyl group to a gene hence changing the instruction that has been given to the cells. Histones are the proteins that make up chromatin. Chromatin is the complex of DNA and has a significant role to play in the formation of chromosomes. When there is a certain modification on the histone, the state of the chromatin can be responsible for the turning off of genes. When the chromatin is condensed, it is made inactive and DNA transcription does not occur (Simmons, 2008).
The epigenetic study has been applied to various fields of medicine. It has been applied in the prevention and combating of several diseases, cancer studies and management, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and genome-wide DNA methylation changes. The understanding that nearly half of the genes that cause familial or inherited forms of cancer are turned off by methylation has helped to make advances in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Since epigenetic changes can be altered, medical experts put this to good use by altering DNA Methylation and histone acetylation. However, care must be taken in the process of using epigenetic therapy. This is so because the changes that are caused by epigenetics are widespread therefore the treatment should pay attention to the cells that are irregular. Activating some gene transcriptions may make normal cells cancerous. This is a breakthrough in the field of medicine which has long relied on chemotherapy so as to be able to manage cancer. By altering the instructions given to the cells and the DNA transcription, it is possible that one can effectively put cancer in check and at the same time avoid the negative effects of chemotherapy.
After completing the Family History worksheet, the results indicate that I may or may not develop ovarian cancer. Many of the females in my family have been unfortunate enough to succumb to ovarian cancer. Further research into ovarian cancer has shown that the occurrence of breast cancer poses a high likelihood for the development of ovarian cancer (NCCN Guidelines for Patients, 2017). There are also other factors that lead to cancer apart from genetics. These include fertility and infertility treatments, reproductive health, age, use of birth control and the presence of other chronic diseases. All measures should be taken to curb the occurrence or the possibility of the development of ovarian cancer. Genetic screening can be done to ascertain whether the cancer gene is present or dominant. Widely accepted and prescribed ways of dealing with cancer include chemotherapy and surgery. With newfound insights in epigenetics, it is possible that it might be an approved and safer means of managing cancer or deactivating the cancer gene before manifestation. There is less damage to be expected from the use of epigenetics. It is, therefore, a means of damage control.
Good health and longevity are important priorities to be considered in the face of a chronic disease and even in the absence of one. Aging gracefully is a top priority for the women and girls in my family. Good genes and a healthy lifestyle are the ideal components of good health and longevity. The cancer genes can be deactivated through epigenetic therapy. Genetic silencing is part of epigenetic therapy and as such, it can prevent the occurrence of cancer. A healthy lifestyle, on the other hand, entails a balanced diet, exercise and physical activity as well as the reduction of calorie intake which is the ideal secret to longevity. It takes two to tango hence the combination of proper lifestyle and epigenetic therapy can go a long way into ensuring long life.
References
NCCN Guideline for Patients. (2017). Ovarian Cancer . Retrieved from: https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/ovarian/files/assets/common/downloads/files/ovarian.pdf
Simmons, D. (2008). Epigenetic Influences and Disease. Nature Edition , 1(1): 6. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/epigenetic-influences-and-disease-895
