Epigenetic mechanisms are heritable changes in gene expression that occur without altering the underlying DNA sequence itself. These critical regulatory processes include DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA interference, collectively determining which genes are actively transcribed into proteins. In the context of hormonal health, these mechanisms mediate the complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental, lifestyle, and hormonal signals. Epigenetics provides a dynamic link between our internal and external environment and our physiological function.
Origin
The term “epigenetics” was coined in the mid-20th century, derived from the Greek word epi, meaning “upon” or “in addition to” genetics, to describe the developmental processes that shape phenotype. The modern scientific understanding of specific molecular mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, crystallized in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. This field has revolutionized the perception of gene-environment interaction and personalized health.
Mechanism
The core mechanism involves chemical tags being added to the DNA or associated histone proteins, effectively altering the chromatin structure and regulating gene accessibility. DNA methylation typically silences gene expression by blocking transcription factor binding, while histone acetylation often loosens the DNA structure, promoting gene transcription. Hormones themselves can act as powerful epigenetic modulators, influencing the expression of genes involved in metabolism, aging, and disease susceptibility.
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