Epigenetics and the influence of our genes | Courtney Griffins | TEDxOU
TEDx Talks・12 minutes read
A geneticist's pregnancy with identical twins challenges beliefs on nature versus nurture, with studies showing traits influenced by DNA and environment, while epigenetics reveals chemical tags on DNA impacting gene expression and health outcomes, with environmental factors during pregnancy also playing a role. Therapeutic approaches targeting toxic epigenetic marks offer promise in treating diseases, emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle to positively impact our epigenome and long-term health.
Insights
- Epigenetics, through chemical tags on DNA, can explain differences in identical twins raised in the same environment, affecting traits and health outcomes.
- Environmental factors during pregnancy, such as diet and stress, can impact the fetus through epigenetic marks, influencing long-term health outcomes and potentially affecting future generations.
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Recent questions
What influences traits more: DNA or environment?
Both DNA and environment influence traits differently.
How do epigenetic marks affect gene expression?
Epigenetic marks can turn genes on or off.
Can environmental factors during pregnancy impact long-term health?
Yes, environmental factors during pregnancy can impact long-term health.
How can epigenetic marks be transmitted to future generations?
Epigenetic marks can be transmitted through sperm and eggs.
Are epigenetic marks reversible?
Yes, epigenetic marks are reversible.
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Summary
00:00
"Epigenetics: Nature, Nurture, and Genetic Influence"
- The speaker, a geneticist, discovered she was pregnant with identical twins, challenging her belief in nature versus nurture.
- Studies on separated identical twins have shown that traits like IQ and criminal tendencies are more influenced by DNA, while depression and political preferences are more affected by the environment.
- Epigenetics, a powerful influence beyond nature and nurture, involves chemical tags on DNA that can turn genes on or off.
- Epigenetic marks can explain differences in identical twins raised in the same environment, affecting traits and health outcomes.
- Epigenetic information is laid down during embryonic development, influencing cell differentiation and gene expression.
- Environmental factors during pregnancy, like diet and stress, can affect the fetus through epigenetic marks, impacting long-term health.
- Epigenetic marks can be transmitted from generation to generation through sperm and eggs, affecting future offspring.
- Epigenetics also plays a role in brain development, as seen in rats where maternal care influences stress coping mechanisms.
- Epigenetic marks are reversible, offering hope for diseases like cancer by targeting and removing harmful marks on genes.
- Therapeutic approaches targeting toxic epigenetic marks show promise in treating various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders.
17:22
"Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Impact Epigenome"
- Start eating healthier foods like leafy vegetables and whole grains, while avoiding cigarettes, cocaine, and stress, as these impact our epigenome negatively, influencing our genes and long-term health, including that of future generations.
