What is the Origin of Epigenetic Alterations?

The term 'epigenetics' is rooted in Greek, combining epi (meaning above or upon) with 'genetics,' literally referring to factors "on top of" or "in addition to" the genetic code. This concept highlights a layer of control that regulates the accessibility and readability of the genetic blueprint.

What is the Mechanism of Epigenetic Alterations?

Environmental factors, including nutrition, stress, and hormonal milieu, can influence the activity of enzymes that add or remove chemical tags to DNA or its associated proteins. For example, nutrient availability can affect the pool of methyl donors, thereby influencing DNA methylation patterns that suppress or activate certain genes, including those encoding hormone-metabolizing enzymes. These alterations represent a key mechanism by which long-term lifestyle choices impact endocrine health and longevity.

Epigenetic Alterations

Meaning

Epigenetic alterations are heritable changes in gene expression that occur without altering the underlying DNA sequence itself. These modifications, which include DNA methylation and histone modification, act as an interface between the environment, lifestyle, and the genome, dictating which genes are actively transcribed. Clinically, these alterations are increasingly recognized as drivers of aging and chronic diseases, profoundly impacting hormonal receptor sensitivity and metabolic function.