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The Federal Environment Agency has initiated a research project in the field of epigenetics. Epigenetics explains the influence of environmental factors on the properties of cells and gene expression. Extensive research in this field would do a great deal to protect public health, both now and in future generations. 07.11.2017 Why the Federal Environment Agency wants to know more about itOrigin of epigeneticsEpigenetics is a Greek term, which in literal translation means ‘in addition to genetics’. Epigenetics is a field in biology which focuses on inherited changes in the gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the DNA sequence. It seeks to explain how environmental exposures can modify gene expression and influence cell properties. Extensive research in this field would contribute to the protection of public health, now and for the sake of future generations. Genetics focuses on the genetic material DNA and the inheritance of genetic characteristics. Epigenetics on the other hand provides additional information that determines gene expression. This additional information – the epigenetic marks - can be seen as a second code overlaid on top of the DNA sequence code. They consist e.g. of chemical molecules attached to either the DNA itself or to DNA-binding proteins. Epigenetic marks may, for example, silence certain DNA sequences. All epigenetic marks together are called the epigenetic pattern. As the DNA itself, epigenetic information can also be heritable to succeeding generations. Epigenetics refutes thus the notion that environmental influences cannot exert long-term changes on the genome. Known factorsMankind is exposed to a large number of environmental influences which have an impact on epigenetic mechanisms. Benzene or endocrine disruptors such as Bisphenol A, can alter the epigenetic pattern. These defective marks can have a negative impact on human health and, as a result, the risk of cancer and congenital birth defects may increase. Epigenetic changes may also multiply over time and, in concert, trigger diseases. UBA’s objectivesResearch on epigenetic mechanisms is still in its infancy. The importance accorded by the Federal Environment Agency to this relatively new field in biology is due to its concern with protecting public health. Both positive and negative environmental factors can exert a lasting effect on health, which is why it is critical to determine which factors cause epigenetic changes. In this regard Federal Environment Agency is encouraging extensive research in this complex area:
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Share: Science tells us that the interactions between genes and environment shape human development. Despite the misconception that genes are “set in stone,” research shows that early experiences can determine how genes are turned on and off — and even whether some are expressed at all. The healthy development of all organs, including the brain, depends on how much and when certain genes are activated to do certain tasks. The experiences that children have early in life, therefore, play a crucial role in the development of brain architecture. Ensuring that children have appropriate, growth-promoting early experiences is an investment in their ability to become healthy, productive members of society. Experiences Affect How Genes Are ExpressedInside the nucleus of each cell in our bodies, we have chromosomes, which contain the code for characteristics that pass to the next generation. Within these chromosomes, specific segments of genetic code, known as genes, make up long, double-helix strands of DNA.
Children inherit approximately 23,000 genes from their parents, but not every gene does what it was designed to do. Experiences leave a chemical “signature” on genes that determines whether and how the genes are expressed. Collectively, those signatures are called the epigenome. The brain is particularly responsive to experiences and environments during early development. External experiences spark signals between neurons, which respond by producing proteins. These gene regulatory proteins head to the nucleus of the neural cell, where they either attract or repel enzymes that can attach them to the genes. Positive experiences, such as exposure to rich learning opportunities, and negative influences, such as malnutrition or environmental toxins, can change the chemistry that encodes genes in brain cells — a change that can be temporary or permanent. This process is called epigenetic modification.
Adverse Early Experiences Can Have Lifelong ConsequencesEpigenetic “markers” control where and how much protein is made by a gene, effectively turning the gene “on” or “off.” Such epigenetic modification typically occurs in cells that comprise organ systems, thereby influencing how these structures develop and function. Therefore, experiences that change the epigenome early in life, when the specialized cells of organs such as the brain, heart, or kidneys are first developing, can have a powerful impact on physical and mental health for a lifetime. The fact that genes are vulnerable to modification in response to toxic stress, nutritional problems, and other negative influences underscores the importance of providing supportive and nurturing experiences for young children in the earliest years, when brain development is most rapid. From a policy perspective, it is in society’s interest to strengthen the foundations of healthy brain architecture in all young children to maximize the return on future investments in education, health, and workforce development. For more information: Early Experiences Can Alter Gene Expression and Affect Long-Term Development: Working Paper No. 10. What is it called when environment affects gene expression?Positive experiences, such as exposure to rich learning opportunities, and negative influences, such as malnutrition or environmental toxins, can change the chemistry that encodes genes in brain cells — a change that can be temporary or permanent. This process is called epigenetic modification.
What is the field of study that explores environmental influences on the expression of genes?Epigenetics: How the environment influences our genes.
What are two environmental factors that affect gene expression?In addition to drugs and chemicals, temperature and light are external environmental factors that may influence gene expression in certain organisms.
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What is the study of environmental influences on gene expression that occur without DNA change?
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