Introduction: The discovery of a new dimension in genetics
In recent decades, our understanding of genetics and the mechanisms that control our lives has changed fundamentally. For a long time, the idea was that our genes act as a kind of „destiny program“ and determine how our bodies function, what they look like and what diseases we might develop. But the decoding of the human genome at the beginning of the 21st century brought a surprising twist: our genes are not the only players in this game. There is another dimension that goes beyond pure genetic material - epigenetics.
It used to be assumed that genes were firmly anchored in our bodies and that their function could not be influenced unless the DNA sequence itself was altered. However, it is now clear that environmental influences such as diet, exercise, stress, pollutants and social interactions can actively influence our genes - and in a way that goes far beyond what was previously imaginable.
What is epigenetics?
Epigenetics is the branch of genetics that deals with the mechanisms that influence the activity of genes without changing the DNA sequence itself. This involves chemical markers and structural changes that regulate the functioning of genes. These markers can be modified by various environmental factors and act like switches that can turn genes on or off.
A simple example can be compared to a recipe book: imagine that your genes are like recipes in a cookbook. The cookbook itself is unchangeable - the recipes, i.e. the genes, are fixed in their structure. But when the cook (i.e. the cell) wants to cook something, it selects a recipe and uses it to produce the ingredients (the genetic information). When the dish is no longer needed, the recipe is returned to the book. The information is available, but not always in use.
Epigenetic mechanisms: How environmental influences control genes
Epigenetics therefore describes how environmental factors can influence the activity of genes without changing the actual DNA sequence. There are several mechanisms that play a role here:
- DNA methylation: Methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism. This involves methyl groups being attached to certain sites on the DNA. These methyl marks can „switch off“ the activity of a gene by preventing the gene from being read. This means that a specific section of DNA is „silenced“ without the sequence itself changing. Methylation patterns are very dynamic and can be altered by environmental influences such as diet or stress.
- Histone modifications: Genes are not only regulated in the DNA itself, but also by the way the DNA is packaged. The DNA is wrapped around proteins, so-called histones, in a kind of „spiral“. These histones can be chemically modified, for example by acetylation or methylation. Such modifications influence how tightly or loosely the DNA is wound and therefore how accessible the genes are for the cell machinery. Loosely coiled DNA is more accessible to the cells, which means that the genes can be activated. Tightly wound DNA, on the other hand, means that the genes remain inactive.
- RNA-based mechanisms: Another important mechanism of gene regulation is gene silencing. Small RNA molecules play a role here, which can „switch off“ certain genes by preventing their transcription. These mechanisms are also sensitive to environmental influences and can ensure that certain genes are more or less active depending on lifestyle or external factors.
The influence of the environment on our genes: the role of lifestyle
The discovery of epigenetics has fundamentally changed our view of health and disease. It used to be thought that our genetic fate was determined in our DNA strands. Today we know that the environment - and therefore our lifestyle - plays a decisive role in determining which genes are active and which are not.
- Nutrition: The way we eat has a direct influence on our genes. Micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements can make epigenetic marks and thus influence the activity of certain genes. A balanced diet can help to prevent harmful epigenetic changes, while an unhealthy diet can increase the risk of diseases such as cancer, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.
- Movement: Physical activity has a positive influence on epigenetic regulation. Studies have shown that regular exercise alters DNA methylation and histone modifications in a way that promotes metabolism and cell health. This is another example of how lifestyle factors can have a direct effect on gene activity.
- Stress and social interactions: Mental stress also has an impact on epigenetics. Chronic stress can cause epigenetic changes that increase the risk of mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety disorders. On the other hand, positive social interactions and a fulfilling social life can alter epigenetic markers that lead to better mental health.
- Environmental factors: Pollutants and environmental toxins, such as cigarette smoke or air pollution, can also cause epigenetic changes that can have long-term effects on health. These changes can even be passed on to subsequent generations - a phenomenon known as transgenerational epigenetics.
Inheritance of epigenetics: another legacy?
A particularly fascinating aspect of epigenetics is the possibility that epigenetic changes can be inherited. While our DNA remains largely unchanged from generation to generation, epigenetic marks that are influenced by environmental factors can be passed from one generation to the next. This means that the experiences and lifestyle of our parents - and even grandparents - can influence our gene activity.
Epigenetic inheritance is still a young field of research, but initial studies indicate that stressful or stressful experiences in childhood, as well as lifestyle in adulthood, can have far-reaching consequences for the next generation. One example of this is research into the transgenerationality of trauma, for example in the children of war veterans or survivors of natural disasters.
Conclusion: The environment as a chef
Epigenetics opens up new perspectives on the question of how environmental factors - be they physical, emotional or social - influence our health and our lives. Our genes are not static; they are flexible and can be altered in their activity depending on external influences. This means that we are able to actively influence our genetic activity through our lifestyle.
We are the „chefs“ of our own genetic recipe, influencing epigenetics through our diet, exercise, social contacts and mental health. This finding is not only a scientific breakthrough, but also a call to take more responsibility for our lifestyle - not only for ourselves, but also for future generations.
About Dr. med. Andreas Bernhardt:
Dr. Bernhardt is a specialist in general internal medicine with international training in endocrinology and better aging. He is a member of the Swiss Anti-Aging Society (SSAAMP) and the renowned Endocrine Society (Washington, D.C.). His focus is on the bioidentical hormone therapy within the framework of a holistic Longevity concept. As an expert on the German-speaking platform wechselweise.net he is committed to raising awareness in the DACH region about hormonal changes in men and women during the menopause - with the aim of promoting health and quality of life in the long term.