Environment, Epigenetics, and DNA

Environment, Epigenetics, and DNA

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted July 23, 2007 in DNA in General

Epigenetics in mainstream media news! Good Morning America takes a shallow look at lifestyle and genes today and tried to use the jargon of epigenetics, such as “imprint,” without fully explaining or delving into what that means. BBC News did a much better job covering epigenetics in light of obesity last June.

molecule 1Epigenetics is the study of the mechanisms that affect the interpretation of DNA. Rather than look at changes to the DNA sequence itself, epigenetic changes involve the environment that surrounds DNA, such as the addition of methyl groups that influence when a gene is turned on and off (aka methylation). Here’s what Mariel Esteller of the Spanish National Cancer Institute in Spain has to say about DNA methylation:

DNA methylation by itself is not healthy or harmful. What is harmful is to have an excess or a defect. We as human beings need a certain level of DNA methylation. Without this we might suffer diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease and maybe Alzheimer’s.

DNA methylation is like the brakes on a car, because it stops genes from running, stops gene activity. When we look at cancer cells under the microscope, we see lots of broken chromosomes

The website Epigenetics? is an excellent resource for learning more with features, interviews, and latest news on epigenetics. And DNA Network member, Trevor Covert, writes Epigenetics News: Discoveries and Advances in the Field of Epigenetics.

Tags: , , , , , ,


goldfade-divider-custom.gif

Related Posts:
Eye on DNA Links for 24 July 2007...
Eye on DNA Headlines for 10 September 2007...
Eye On DNA RNA?...
What’s in your DNA? #22...
DNA Quote: Dr. John Groopman...
DNA Quote: Former Surgeon General Dr. Richard H. Carmona...
DNA Quote: Dr. Leroy Hood...

RSS feed | Trackback URI

Please note that comments left using the form below will be publicly displayed. If you'd like to correspond with me privately, please email me at hsien@eyeondna.com.

If your comment doesn't show up immediately, it's probably in moderation. I will approve it as soon as I can! Thanks for your patience.

1 Comment »

[...] news cycle continues to feature epigenetics with Nova scienceNOW broadcasting a segment on epigenetics today (July 24). It will also be online [...]

 
Name (required)
E-mail (required - never shown publicly)
URI
Your Comment (smaller size | larger size)
You may use <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong> in your comment.

Note: Posting will be sporadic while I'm on maternity leave.


Search Eye on DNA


Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner


ARCHIVE


RANDOMIZED BLOGROLL


We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health
information:
verify here.
Eye on DNA is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your healthcare provider or genetic counselor for information specific to you.

Mendel's Garden

Healthcare 100 - eDrugSearch.com



View Hsien-Hsien Lei, PhD's profile on LinkedIn

Bloggers' Rights at EFF