Epigenetic abnormalities have been found to be causative factors in genetic disorders, cancers, heart disease, thyroiditis, autoimmune problems and aging. These epigenetic pathways give us new approaches to silence a gene expression that is over active or to activate a chromosome inherited that has been turned off.
Epigenetics is defined as changes in gene expression that occurs without a change in DNA. Environmental as well as heritable factors play a role. The contribution of protein alterations and mRna expression are manifested. Decreases in DNA methylation and some hypermethylations can be regulated by DNA methyltransferase to prevent athersclerosis. Research in genetics is now center stage to reveal diseases, treatment options, and healthy lifestyle changes.