Non-genetic factors and mechanisms that cause stable, heritable changes in gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. This represents a dynamic interface where environmental and lifestyle factors, including nutrition and stress, directly modify how the genetic code is read and executed. Understanding this influence is paramount in hormonal health, as it dictates how our physiological systems respond to external stimuli.
Origin
The term “epigenetics” was coined in the mid-20th century, combining epi (above or upon) and genetics. It originally described the developmental processes that bridge genotype and phenotype. Modern molecular epigenetics, however, focuses on the mechanisms by which environmental signals regulate gene activity.
Mechanism
The primary mechanisms of epigenetic influence include DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation. DNA methylation typically silences gene expression by adding a methyl group to the DNA strand. Histone modifications alter the accessibility of DNA to transcription factors, essentially acting as an on/off switch for gene transcription. These processes collectively allow the genome to adapt its expression profile in response to physiological and environmental cues.
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