Upload
others
View
13
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Nature vs nurture:
Epigenetics
What is epigenetics?
Epigenetic processes
control whether a gene
is switched on or off
(gene expression),
without altering the
underlying DNA
sequence
They include
modifications to the
DNA complex (DNA
methylation or histone
modification) and the
action of non-protein
coding gene products
(non-coding RNAs)
Why is it important? Epigenetic processes
enable a single cell
(fertilised egg) to
produce all of the
different cell types
required to form a
whole new new person
Throughout our lives
removal (-) & re-
establishment (+) of
epigenetic marks drive
key developmental
changes, beginning
even before conception
(with generation of an
egg and sperm) and
continuing through early
life into adulthood
How can it be useful? Environmental factors can induce epigenetic changes, allowing us to adapt
to our environment more rapidly than through the natural selection of genetic
mutations
If these changes exceed the ability of the cell to maintain a normal
equilibrium, harmful health effects can occur (so-called epigenetic toxicity)
Such epigenetic changes can be passed onto our children and
grandchildren, leading to multigenerational epigenetic toxicity
How can it be useful?
For many years tests
and regulations have
protected the public
against chemicals that
cause genetic
mutations
Concern remains over
environmental
chemicals/factors that
are linked with disease,
but do not cause
genetic mutations
Epigenetic tools may
therefore help to
improve safety
regulations and policies
What research is PHE doing?
Marczylo EL et al (2016) DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2016.1175417
Nature vs nurture:
Epigenetics
QUIZ
Nature vs nurture: Epigenetics
Question 1:
Which of these is not an epigenetic process?
A) Histone modification
C) DNA methylation
B) DNA mutation
D) Non-coding RNAs
WARNING: ANSWER ON NEXT PAGE!
Nature vs nurture: Epigenetics
Question 1:
Which of these is not an epigenetic process?
A) Histone modification
C) DNA methylation
B) DNA mutation
D) Non-coding RNAs
Nature vs nurture: Epigenetics
Question 2:
Which scientist coined the term epigenetics?
A) Charles Darwin
C) Conrad Waddington
B) Francis Crick
D) James Watson
WARNING: ANSWER ON NEXT PAGE!
Nature vs nurture: Epigenetics
Question 2:
Which scientist coined the term epigenetics?
A) Charles Darwin
C) Conrad Waddington
B) Francis Crick
D) James Watson
Nature vs nurture: Epigenetics
Question 3:
In what year was the term epigenetics first used?
A) 1942
C) 1982
B) 1962
D) 2002
WARNING: ANSWER ON NEXT PAGE!
Nature vs nurture: Epigenetics
Question 3:
In what year was the term epigenetics first used?
A) 1942
C) 1982
B) 1962
D) 2002
Nature vs nurture: Epigenetics
Question 4:
Which lifestyle factors can induce epigenetic changes?
A) Smoking
C) Alcohol
B) Diet
D) All of the above
Nature vs nurture: Epigenetics
Question 4:
Which lifestyle factors can induce epigenetic changes?
A) Smoking
C) Alcohol
B) Diet
D) All of the above
Nature vs nurture: Epigenetics
Question 5:
Which of these facts about epigenetic changes is false?
A) They can be
inherited
C) They continually occur
throughout our lives
B) They include DNA
mutations
D) They control which genes
are switched on/off
WARNING: ANSWER ON NEXT PAGE!
Nature vs nurture: Epigenetics
Question 5:
Which of these facts about epigenetic changes is false?
A) They can be
inherited
C) They continually occur
throughout our lives
B) They include DNA
mutations
D) They control which genes
are switched on/off
Nature vs nurture: Epigenetics
Question 6:
Diseases associated with altered epigenetic processes
include?
A) Obesity
C) Cancer
B) Infertility
D) All of the above
WARNING: ANSWER ON NEXT PAGE!
Nature vs nurture: Epigenetics
Question 6:
Diseases associated with altered epigenetic processes
include?
A) Obesity
C) Cancer
B) Infertility
D) All of the above