The Effects of Epigenetics on Aging

Epigenetics is a field of study that examines changes in the phenotype resulting from causes other than changes to the actual DNA sequence. These changes are capable of being tracked as they remain for the entirety of the cell’s life through multiple generations and cell divisions. In other words, specific genes are able to carry traits through multiple generations and eventually evolve. Scientists are determined to harness this knowledge to use epigenetics as a tool to fight various cognitive genetic diseases caused by gene deletion or inactivation. This then allows scientists to genetically alter the genes and correct these underlying changes.

What are Epigenetics?

Epigenetics are central to cellular differentiation and allow different cell types to have specific characteristics regardless of whether or not they share DNA sequences. While scientists are currently still unraveling the mysteries, they have currently uncovered several different routes by which these changes may persist over time. Since these genes can actually enhance the production of other similar genes, even within the gene itself, these subsequent mutations may be passed through generations of individuals. If scientists can discover a method of manipulation, they might conceivably change how cognitive decline occurs in individuals suffering from a history of genetic cognitive impairment.

The latest hypotheses are suggesting that epigenetic engineering could be used one day to intervene and prevent aging by predicting the importance of events in the early life of an individual that would affect their health. It has long been considered that consequences of early-life exposure to various mechanisms have an effect upon the underlying cellular memory of an individual or their epigenetic inheritance system.

Looking for Evidence

There is no conclusive evidence as of yet, but as can be seen by researchers at the Institute of Gerontology in Kiev, Ukraine, as well as the various groups in the United States such as the John Hopkins University, Harvard University, and National Cancer Institute; the theory is sufficiently substantial to have sparked interest on a worldwide basis.

Epigenetics are considered to be the founding reason for a variety of genetic diseases that are passed down through generations; ranging from cancer to diabetes to cognitive reasoning and beyond. This occurs as a result of genomic imprinting, where the father and mother contribute different patterns in the germ cells, with some of the most well-known cases being Angelman syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome, which develop regardless of which parent carried and passed on the mutation.

These inherent mutations can be passed down from generation to generation and epigenetics is hopefully one of the ways that scientists can use to discover a way to halt genetic mutations and prevent them from spreading to future generations.

Everything is still in a theoretical stage at this point, but considering the vast number of universities around the world that are taking an interest, it points to a hopeful future solution as they come closer to understanding how to manipulate these changes and counter various genetic diseases.

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