What is the Origin of Epigenetic Signaling in Adulthood?

The term is a synthesis of 'Epigenetics,' coined by Conrad Waddington from the Greek epi- (above, upon) and 'genetics,' referring to changes upon the genome, and 'Signaling,' emphasizing the communication aspect. While initially studied in development, the recognition of its active role in adult health and aging is a more recent advancement in molecular biology.

What is the Mechanism of Epigenetic Signaling in Adulthood?

Environmental and hormonal signals trigger enzymes that add or remove chemical tags, such as methyl groups, to the DNA or alter the structure of histones, the proteins around which DNA is wound. These modifications influence chromatin structure, determining whether the transcriptional machinery can access a gene to express it as a protein. For example, chronic stress can induce epigenetic changes that silence glucocorticoid receptors, thereby altering the HPA axis setpoint and increasing inflammation.

Epigenetic Signaling in Adulthood ∞ Area

Epigenetic Signaling in Adulthood

Meaning

Epigenetic Signaling in Adulthood refers to the continuous, dynamic modifications to gene expression that occur in mature cells in response to lifestyle, environmental factors, and aging, without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These signals, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, act as a molecular memory, influencing which genes are turned “on” or “off” at any given time. This ongoing process explains how diet, stress, and exercise continue to shape health and disease risk throughout an individual’s adult life. It represents a key mechanism of biological plasticity and longevity modulation.