By Roseann Guy 40964359
At the heart of biology courses and textbooks, the power of genes is still emphasized as a means of biological control where genes turn themselves on and off as required. Though still a major contributor to cell differentiation and bodily control, a radically new understanding about biological inheritance and phenotypic systems has come to light. It is now recognized that the environment, and more specifically, our perception (interpretation) of the environment, directly controls the activity of our genes, otherwise known as epigenetics [2] – the study of cellular mechanisms that control gene expression states without changing the underlying DNA sequence
The tale of two mice[4] (see picture) is a direct example of two organisms with exactly the same genome but influences of environment have directed variation in phenotype. So how do epigenetic mechanisms influence phenotypic outcomes [1]? What impact do the environment and our perception have on our cell expression? Can an epigenome be passed on from one generation to the next (trans-generational inheritance [1])? And is our health and frailties merely a reflection of our heredity expression?
In the face of cancer, cardiovascular disease and mental health, epigenetic variants might turn out to be the important means of healing for the future. Groundbreaking research conducted by Bruce Lipton [3] illustrates this new perspective of human biology, recognizing that when we change our perception or beliefs we send totally different messages to our cells and reprogram their expression. With innovative views like this in progress, evolutionary understanding is constantly in review and so we can only speculate the immense impact it will have on biology and human health.
Primary reference:
1. Epigenetic variation and inheritance in mammals -http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VS0-4M04J1H-2&_user=331728&_coverDate=12%2F31%2F2006&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000016898&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=331728&md5=577738dc152ef09eafd4b77f9e33f494
Secondary references:
2. Epigenetics in brief: http://www.epidna.com/
3. The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton: http://www.brucelipton.com/article/mind-over-genes-the-new-biology
4. Epigenetics- The tale of two mice by the NOVA science institute: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3411/02.html
