heritable traits NOT caused by
change in DNA sequence
Integrated with genes and environment
Ancestors' nutrition was indicated as the main
influence on longevity through unspecified
epigenetic mechanisms of inheritance.
Dutch famine example
children of mothers exposed to famine before
conception had lowest degree of methylation
Environmental factors such as
socioeconomic status can raise
stress levels
being poor affects cortisol
Low maternal warmth contributes to
stress, but high levels of maternal
warmth can be protective factors
Paternal obesity is
associated with IGF2
hypomethylation in
newborns
heavier fathers--> percent
methylation drops for children
increased body weight in children
Common Disease Genetic and
Epigenetic (CDGE) Hypothesis
in addition to genetic variation, epigenetics
provides an added layer of variation that
might mediate the relationship between
genotype and internal and external
environmental factors
Match-mismatch paradigm of disease involves epigenetic
mechanisms of gene regulation. Baby in utero receives cues from
mother about its future environment, and modifies metabolism
among other things. Mismatch occurs when the anticipated
environment differs from reality
Permanent gene expression changes
Phenotype affected later in life
obesity, Type 2 Diabetes,
psychiatric disorders, cancer, etc.
consequences of match-mismatch
Example: stress of mother leads to
increased insulin, cortisol, and higher
blood pressure