Epigenetics | EssayIvy.com

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Epigenetics

Epigenetics is a study of genetics that focuses on biological mechanisms that make some

genes active while making others dormant. In epigenetics, the overall concept is that some

factors other than a person’s DNA sequence happen to control the behavior of an individual’s

cells. I therefore think that epigenetics only centers on investigating heritable changes related to

the functioning of the genes which can be altered by one’s lifestyle choices. In relation to the

video, I think the science behind identical twins is intriguing and informative. Indeed, identical

twins may experience different changes in their gene expression although the differences

between them are not very pronounced at a younger age. Neil deGrasse Tyson emphasizes in the

video that identical twins share similar DNA and exact genes (NOVA ScienceNOW, 2007).

Despite the small unpronounced differences, an identical twin is a reflection of the other.

However, one may be diagnosed with cancer, while the other may not. Epigenetics explains this

mysterious behavior of genes. For instance, identical mice used in an experiment all have a

unique gene called agouti, which is responsible for obesity trait. However, the skinny mice have

an active methyl group that is affixed to the agouti gene, thus inhibiting its function. As Randy

Jirtle puts it, epigenetics means “above the genome,” and the epigenome controls cells in

organisms (NOVA ScienceNOW, 2007). Since the epigenome can be modified by other factors

and becomes heritable cross generations. In the case of certain diseases, such as cancer, an

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identical twin has a higher risk of developing those the other twin is diagnosed with, but the

epigenome affects their chances differently.

In the article “Epigenetics of Breast Cancer: Modifying Role of Environmental and

Bioactive Food Compounds," Romagnolo et al. (2016) investigate how environmental and

bioactive factors influence the risk of breast cancer. The article reveals that reduced expression

of tumor suppressor genes (TSG) increases the risk of getting breast cancer (Romagnolo et al.,

2016). According to Romagnolo et al. (2016), family history and mutational activation of TSG

only account for a small percentage of breast cancer cases. Here, the authors define epigenetics

to mean non-mutational factors that modify gene expression (Romagnolo et al., 2016). For

instance, food compounds such as endocrine disruptors may epigenetically disorder hormonal

regulation and amplify the risk of developing a breast tumor. The article, therefore, is based on

the hypothesis that bioactive food constituents that target epigenetic expressions shield the body

against sporadic breast tumors caused by endocrine disruptors (Romagnolo et al., 2016). Also,

Romagnolo et al. (2016) make several important points which explain the epigenetics concept

behind breast cancer risk. To begin with, they note that epigenetic alterations, for example, CpG

methylation, may be preserved through cycles of cell division and transferred to the cell

progenies. When these epigenetic changes in TSG accumulate, it is highly likely to result in the

formation of “cancer epigenome” in the same person or in successive generations even after the

stimuli has been removed (Esteller, 2007). However, these epigenetic modifications are

potentially reversible; thus, individuals with a risk of breast cancer can undergo cancer therapy.

Furthermore, the breast cancer vulnerability gene BRCA-1 can be repressed through CpG

methylation in erratic breast tumors to form the “BRCAness” tumor phenotype, which is the

same as the one observed in BRCA-1 mutation carriers. Mutation can silence sporadic tumors if

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the TSG are found to have a phenotype that resembles that of hereditary cancer. The study thus

focused on several gene chemical compounds, including aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)

tetracholorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), arsenic compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls and

phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and bisphenol A (BPA) (Romagnolo et al., 2016).

What the authors thus tried to confirm was that food components targeting epigenetic

mechanisms defend cells against modifications in TSG and mammary tumorigenesis caused by

exposure to the above xenobiotics. As a result, their findings may enable future researchers to

develop new methods of prevention based on particular bioactive food components.

Epigenesis can help to understand real-world biological events. Despite the fact that

family history and mutational inactivation of TSG play a minor role in influencing the

development of cancer, research has drawn a significant connection between long-term illnesses

and family history. Since heritable factors also cause breast tumors, the impact of family history

should be reconsidered in further research due to the more significant cases of heritable diseases

such as cancer. In my family, there have been three long-term diseases, namely, breast cancer,

lung cancer, and Alzheimer’s. According to Romagnolo et al. (2016), epigenetic alterations such

as CpG methylation are preserved through cycles of cell division, and in the end, they are

conveyed to cell progenies. Breast cancer has affected a few of our family members, and it seems

that more than one person of my generation is likely to be diagnosed with the disease. At the

moment, one individual is suffering from the breast tumor. Doctors established that the cancer

developed due to genetic factors. Also, one family member died as a result of lung cancer, which

was related to a case reported in the past generation where another relative died due to lung

complication. Finally, Alzheimer’s disease also has a history in our family. Epigenetics qualifies

it as a hereditary condition which occurs as a result of gene epigenome associated with dementia.

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Our family has a history of several instances of dementia, which mostly develops later in life at

an old age. Although my family history suggests that I am susceptible to breast cancer, as well as

any of these other illnesses, the article by Romagnolo et al. (2016) implies that it can be

prevented by epigenetic factors.

The findings of the Living to 1000 Questionnaires contain vital details that complement

the results presented by Romagnolo et al. (2016). Given my family history, it is imperative to

consider the critical aspects discussed in the article in the light of my questionnaire results.

Firstly, understanding ways to prolong your life is crucial, particularly for individuals with a

family history of diseases such as cancer. The most important step one must take is to be

screened for cancer. Knowing one’s cancer status can help one extend one’s life. The

questionnaire’s findings reveal that it is essential for individuals to seek medical evaluation from

time to time because continual screening is one way of preventing illness. Since I am susceptible

to breast cancer, I need to undergo this procedure regularly to prevent developing it. Research

indicates that tumor cells accumulate during cell division and may be transmitted to cell

progenies in me or the future generations of my family (Romagnolo et al., 2016). Although my

parents have not been affected by breast cancer, lung cancer, or Alzheimer’s, there is still a risk

of any of them developing any of these diseases as they are younger than 80. Unfortunately, my

family does not have defined longevity which can be used to predict the chances of these

diseases affecting any of us.

Longevity is crucial today, particularly since many people die at a tender age. Although

death is inevitable, I can prolong my life by altering my lifestyle and following several health

recommendations. Firstly, regular screening may help me to prevent diseases such as breast

cancer and lung cancer. Since my family history is a warning already, screening for various

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cancers is essential. If tests for cancer turn out positive at some point, early cancer therapy can

help treat the disease, thus enhancing my longevity. Besides, Alzheimer’s is a disease which

might affect my longevity. One way to prevent it is by visiting a doctor and seeking help based

on my family health record. Annual or more frequent medical checks will help me improve my

health. Since stress, BMI, and diabetes are serious predisposing factors, I can manage my health

in various ways, including therapy, exercise to reduce weight, checks for blood pressure and

sugar level, and stress management. Avoiding sugary foods, such as carbonated drinks and

sweets, will help prevent developing diabetes. Also, I can boost my health by improving my

lifestyle habits, which include exercising regularly, consuming more iron, and avoiding fast

foods. Foods high in cholesterol can lead to the development of a heart disease; thus, I will avoid

them. Other products that I must avoid include meat and preserved foods, which have been

strongly linked to long-term illnesses such as cancer.

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References

Esteller, M. (2007). Epigenetics of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research, 9(S1), S21.

doi:10.1186/bcr1704

NOVA ScienceNOW. (2007, July 24). Epigenetics [Video file]. PBS. Retrieved from

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/epigenetics.html

Romagnolo, D. F., Daniels, K. D., Grunwald, J. T., Ramos, S. A., Propper, C. R., & Selmin, O. I.

(2016). Epigenetics of breast cancer: Modifying role of environmental and bioactive food

compounds. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 60(6), 1310-1329.

doi:10.1002/mnfr.201501063

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