What is the epigenome?

DNA modifications that do not change the DNA sequence can affect gene activity. Chemical compounds that are added to single genes can regulate their activity; these modifications are known as epigenetic changes. The epigenome comprises all of the chemical compounds that have been added to the entirety of one’s DNA (genome) as a way to regulate the activity (expression) of all the genes within the genome. The chemical compounds of the epigenome are not part of the DNA sequence, but are on or attached to DNA (“epi-“ means above in Greek). Epigenomic modifications remain as cells divide and in some cases can be inherited through the generations. Environmental influences, such as a person’s diet and exposure to pollutants, can also impact the epigenome.

Epigenetic changes can help determine whether genes are turned on or off and can influence the production of proteins in certain cells, ensuring that only necessary proteins are produced. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Patterns of epigenome modification vary among individuals, different tissues within an individual, and even different cells.

A common type of epigenomic modification is called methylation. Methylation involves attaching small molecules called methyl groups, each consisting of one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms, to segments of DNA. When methyl groups are added to a particular gene, that gene is turned off or silenced, and no protein is produced from that gene.

Because errors in the epigenetic process, such as modifying the wrong gene or failing to add a compound to a gene, can lead to abnormal gene activity or inactivity, they can cause genetic disorders. Conditions including cancers, metabolic disorders, and degenerative disorders have all been found to be related to epigenetic errors.

Scientists continue to explore the relationship between the genome and the chemical compounds that modify it. In particular, they are studying what effect the modifications have on gene function, protein production, and human health.(from Internet)

This is a fascinating story that shows how far science has come in understanding the aging process.

People someday not in distant future may live hundreds of years like in Old Testament.

I uploaded an article about epi-gene a few years ago on this website.

This epi-gene, at least, partially explain the biology of the rapid adaptation to the changing environment

within only a few generations without depending on the mutation that might take very long geological age.

Now, as the above article says, if we control the behavior of the epi-gene, we can control the evolution.

We, the humanity, are ever getting closer to what the God is.

Together with the success of stem cell research, we will be able to play God very soon.

Will we be still going to the church then?

Will we be praying for God's blessing before every meal?

I chuckle at the thought of us playing the actual God.

Will the science conquer and silence the religion?

우리가 늙지 않는다면 얼마나 좋을까요? 하나 누구나 한번 태어나서 지금보다 더 오래 산다면, 이 지구는,이곳은,더 오래 사는 사람으로 언젠가는 꽉 차버릴 것이고, 지금보다 더 치열한 생존 경쟁으로 이세상은 혼란에 빠질까 저는 두렵습니다. WM의 말씀대로 이 세상이 God으로 차 버릴까도 걱정됩니다. 한중형, 재미있는 글을 보여 주셔서 감사합니다. 그러나 저는요 그저 지금 만큼만 즐기다가 갈래요. 한중형, 3월달 동창회에서 만나서 또 싸움 한 번 했으면 좋겠어요. 백효

Thanks for the comments, WM and Dr. Shin.

I accept your challenge, Dr. Shin.