Epigenetics 101: A Beginner's Guide to Explaining Everything

Introduction to Epigenetics

Epigenetics: A growing field in life sciences with significant impacts on biology and potential in medicine.
Common misconceptions and hype about epigenetics’ capabilities.

DNA Structure: DNA sequence is compared to an instruction manual, with epigenetics acting like highlighted text.
- Different epigenetic "marks" instruct cells on how to process DNA.
- Methylation: A common mark involving methyl groups attaching to DNA, often inactivating genes.
Histone Modification: Tags on histone proteins, affecting DNA accessibility.
- Different tags can tighten or loosen DNA attachment, impacting gene activation.
- Epigenetic modifications can also occur in RNA.
Cell Differentiation: Different cells (e.g., liver vs brain) use different "highlighted" parts of the DNA.
Epigenetic Changeability: Unlike fixed DNA sequences, epigenetic marks can change over time and be influenced by the environment.

External stimuli can cause epigenetic modifications.
- Bisphenol A (BPA): Linked to diseases, affects through epigenetic changes.
- Exercise: Effects may involve changes in epigenetic patterns in tissues.
- Childhood Trauma: May alter DNA methylation patterns, affecting long-term health.

Current studies mainly in animals, with some human implications.
- Agouti Gene in Mice: Demonstrates environmental influence on epigenetic inheritance.
- Addiction: THC exposure in rats affects future generations' propensity for addiction.
- Famine Effects: Nutrient deprivation in ancestors linked to diabetes and cardiovascular issues in descendants.

Ongoing research in epigenetics across various fields.
Use of high-throughput sequencing to map epigenomes.
- International Human Epigenomics Consortium (IHEC): Aims to create reference epigenomes for comparison in disease studies.
Need for cautious interpretation of current evidence and skepticism towards exaggerated claims.

Epigenetics has the potential to explain various biological phenomena and diseases.
Upcoming research on epigenetics in diseases like cancer for treatment development.
Resources for learning more about epigenetics available online, including MOOCs.

Cath Ennis: Project manager and grant writer in cancer genomics. Contact: @enniscath