Nature vs nurture: Epigenetics

Transcription

1 Nature vs nurture: Epigenetics

2 What is epigenetics? Epigenetic processes control whether a gene is switched on or off (gene expression), without altering the underlying DNA sequence They include modifications to the DNA complex (DNA methylation or histone modification) and the action of non-protein coding gene products (non-coding RNAs)

3 Why is it important? Epigenetic processes enable a single cell (fertilised egg) to produce all of the different cell types required to form a whole new new person Throughout our lives removal (-) & reestablishment (+) of epigenetic marks drive key developmental changes, beginning even before conception (with generation of an egg and sperm) and continuing through early life into adulthood

4 How can it be useful? Environmental factors can induce epigenetic changes, allowing us to adapt to our environment more rapidly than through the natural selection of genetic mutations If these changes exceed the ability of the cell to maintain a normal equilibrium, harmful health effects can occur (so-called epigenetic toxicity) Such epigenetic changes can be passed onto our children and grandchildren, leading to multigenerational epigenetic toxicity

5 How can it be useful? For many years tests and regulations have protected the public against chemicals that cause genetic mutations Concern remains over environmental chemicals/factors that are linked with disease, but do not cause genetic mutations Epigenetic tools may therefore help to improve safety regulations and policies

6 What research is PHE doing? Marczylo EL et al (2016) DOI: /

7 Nature vs nurture: Epigenetics QUIZ

8 Question 1: Which of these is not an epigenetic process? A) Histone modification B) DNA mutation C) DNA methylation D) Non-coding RNAs WARNING: ANSWER ON NEXT PAGE!

9 Question 1: Which of these is not an epigenetic process? A) Histone modification B) DNA mutation C) DNA methylation D) Non-coding RNAs

10 Question 2: Which scientist coined the term epigenetics? A) Charles Darwin B) Francis Crick C) Conrad Waddington D) James Watson WARNING: ANSWER ON NEXT PAGE!

11 Question 2: Which scientist coined the term epigenetics? A) Charles Darwin B) Francis Crick C) Conrad Waddington D) James Watson

12 Question 3: In what year was the term epigenetics first used? A) 1942 B) 1962 C) 1982 D) 2002 WARNING: ANSWER ON NEXT PAGE!

13 Question 3: In what year was the term epigenetics first used? A) 1942 B) 1962 C) 1982 D) 2002

14 Question 4: Which lifestyle factors can induce epigenetic changes? A) Smoking B) Diet C) Alcohol D) All of the above

15 Question 4: Which lifestyle factors can induce epigenetic changes? A) Smoking B) Diet C) Alcohol D) All of the above

16 Question 5: Which of these facts about epigenetic changes is false? A) They can be inherited C) They continually occur throughout our lives B) They include DNA mutations D) They control which genes are switched on/off WARNING: ANSWER ON NEXT PAGE!

17 Question 5: Which of these facts about epigenetic changes is false? A) They can be inherited C) They continually occur throughout our lives B) They include DNA mutations D) They control which genes are switched on/off

18 Question 6: Diseases associated with altered epigenetic processes include? A) Obesity B) Infertility C) Cancer D) All of the above WARNING: ANSWER ON NEXT PAGE!

19 Question 6: Diseases associated with altered epigenetic processes include? A) Obesity B) Infertility C) Cancer D) All of the above

20 For more information contact: