KevinMD September 19, 2024
Epigenetics has revolutionized our understanding of how lifestyle factors—such as diet, stress, exercise, and environmental exposures—affect fertility. Unlike genetic mutations, which change the DNA sequence, epigenetic changes modify how genes are expressed without altering the DNA itself. These changes occur through mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, and they play a critical role in fertility. Even more intriguing, these epigenetic changes can be passed down to future generations through epigenetic inheritance.
What is DNA methylation?
DNA methylation involves the addition of a methyl group (CH3) to cytosine bases in DNA, often in regions known as CpG islands. This process acts as a regulatory switch, turning genes “on” or “off” by controlling the accessibility of the DNA for transcription....
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