Epigenetics studies the processes through which external factors influence genetic functions (Feinberg, 2018). Primarily, epigenetic processes only modify DNA expression but do not change the DNA sequence. According to Moosavi & Montelizadeh (2016), DNA expression denotes the procedure by which proteins are produced as per the instructions in the DNA. In this case, epigenetic changes determine whether genes are off or on to ensure that cells create products that align with their functions. For instance, antibodies like immunoglobulin are not created in nerve cells. Models of epigenetic modifications vary according to individual differences, environmental factors, diet, and physical activity (Feinberg, 2018).

According to Feinberg (2018), there are three main epigenetic processes which include DNA Methylation, histone modification and Non-Coding RNA. DNA Methylation refers to the addition or attachment of chemical (methyl) groups to DNA which turns genes on. Histone modification involves removing or adding chemical groups (acetyl or methyl) to the histones. Normally, DNA instructions determine the creation of Coding and Non-Coding RNA. While Coding RNA promotes protein production, Non-Coding RNA impairs the production of proteins and regulates DNA expression by attaching itself to Coding DNA (Feinberg, 2018). 

Advantages and disadvantages of epigenetics

Epigenetics has numerous advantages. Firstly, epigenetics significantly promotes development. Because epigenetic modifications commence since birth, they determine the specific functions of a cell. In this case, epigenetic modifications allow one type of cells to turn on genes and produce proteins while turning off the genes of the other type of cells. Secondly, since epigenetic modifications change with age, epigenetics is exceedingly beneficial in studying the health implications related to aging (Moosavi & Montelizadeh, 2016). Besides, epigenetics allows for the reversal of processes that are detrimental to health. For instance, former smokers are likely to regain their health with an increase in DNA Methylation once they quit (Hamilton & Netsler, 2019). Lastly, epigenetics explains specific health complications by linking them with environmental and socioeconomic factors like poor diet, stress, pollution, and lack of physical activity.

Despite its benefits, epigenetic modifications can have adverse effects on health when errors occur during chemical addition and gene modification. For instance, due to cell mutation, metabolic complications, cancer, and degenerative illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are likely to develop (Zakirov et al., 2019). Besides, epigenetic modifications related to particular illnesses like obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are passed across generations, thus contributing to the current vicious cycle of nutrition-related illnesses currently witnessed in industrialized and developing countries (Franks & Ling, 2010).

The strengths and weaknesses of epigenetics

According to Li (2021), epigenetics is a considerably viable field of research. Notably, epigenetics has necessitated drugs to regulate epigenetic processes that increase the risk of specific diseases. For instance, in the United States, the FDA approves azacytidine, panobinostat, and other medications in preventing and treating cancer and T cell lymphoma (Mohammad et al., 2019, p409).

Regardless of advantages, several limitations and challenges are linked to epigenetics. Firstly, the field of epigenetics relies on vast research and studies that employ diverse specimens and arrive at contradicting conclusions (Lorincz, 2011). Secondly, epigenetic studies promote invasion of patient privacy through disclosure of medical records, which provide information and predict the likelihood of a person to develop an illness later in their life (Burns et al., 2018). Lastly, epigenetic-related healthcare may not be a viable option for millions of people worldwide that cannot access healthcare due to poverty and lack of medical insurance (Lorincz, 2011).

The impacts of epigenetics on my career

Undoubtedly, epigenetics has had a significant impact on my career. Firstly, epigenetic knowledge will provide me with a profound understanding of how various factors like proteins, RNA, DNA, and the environment relate to illnesses. In this case, I will have a wider perspective that will positively inform my prevention diagnosis and treatment approaches. Secondly, epigenetics will enable me to consider and explore critical elements like aging, embryology, cell differentiation, and genetic regulation. With such knowledge, it will be easier to develop personalized interventions for my patients. Lastly, epigenetics will nurture a personal responsibility to monitor and prevent harmful environmental factors contributing to ill health.

Reference

Burns, S. B., Almeida, D., & Turecki, G. (2018). The epigenetics of early life adversity: current limitations and possible solutions. Progress in molecular biology and translational science, 157, 343-425.

Feinberg, A. P. (2018). The key role of epigenetics in human disease prevention and mitigation. New England Journal of Medicine, 378(14), 1323-1334.

Franks, P. W., & Ling, C. (2010). Epigenetics and obesity: the devil is in the details. BMC medicine, 8(1), 1-5.

Hamilton, P. J., & Nestler, E. J. (2019). Epigenetics and addiction. Current opinion in neurobiology, 59, 128-136.

Li, Y. (2021). Modern epigenetics methods in biological research. Methods, 187, 104-113.

Lorincz A. T. (2011). The Promise and the Problems of Epigenetics Biomarkers in Cancer. Expert opinion on medical diagnostics, 5(5), 375–379. https://doi.org/10.1517/17530059.2011.590129

Mohammad, H. P., Barbash, O., & Creasy, C. L. (2019). Targeting epigenetic modifications in cancer therapy: erasing the roadmap to cancer. Nature medicine, 25(3), 403-418.

Moosavi, A., & Motevalizadeh Ardekani, A. (2016). Role of Epigenetics in Biology and Human Diseases. Iranian biomedical journal, 20(5), 246–258. https://doi.org/10.22045/ibj.2016.01

Zakirov, F. K., Krasilnikov, A. A., Pushkina, V. N., Gernet, I. N., Andryushchenko, L. B., & Yamaletdinova, G. A. (2019). The role damages and epigenetic modifications of DNA in Alzheimers disease. Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 6(5), 9700-9703.