09.16.2009 Epigenomics!
Via National DNA Day and Genome.gov, this article talks about the fascinating process by which our environment makes heritable but still mutable changes to the way our genetic material is expressed.
Basically, the DNA story we grew up with (Our genes are your genes. Half from Mom, half from Dad, end of story) isn't the whole picture. While our understanding of genetics wasn't wrong, the big thing that epigenomics adds to the picture is the shape of your DNA in space.
In order to fit into a cell, your genes have to be tightly curled up. At the small scale of DNA, the curling is done by special chemicals that form the DNA. Critically, though, genes that are loosely bound by these chemicals are expressed (or expressed more strongly) whereas tightly bound ones are turned off, suppressed, or expressed very weakly. It's through epigenomics that smoking and diet (and, I theorize, the mental states you carry and habits you set up for yourself, such as exercise or learning to ride your bike with no hands) can actually affect your predisposition to developing certain diseases.
This is a somewhat new-ish field, and it seems like it has loads of potential. Thanks to the folks at National DNA Day for keeping us informed!
Added: This excellent article also has some fascinating information about how our epigenome might be shaped by experience.
Posted by charlie williams at September 16, 2009 11:13 AM
