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Epigenetic Response

Meaning

The Epigenetic Response describes the dynamic, reversible alterations to gene expression that occur without changes to the underlying DNA sequence, serving as a critical molecular interface between the environment, lifestyle, and the genome. These modifications, which include DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation, fundamentally determine which genes are actively transcribed and which are silenced. Hormones act as powerful signaling molecules that trigger these epigenetic shifts, directly linking endocrine status and environmental stimuli to long-term changes in cellular function and phenotypic expression, a cornerstone of biological longevity.