The previous week’s article described the basics of epigenetics. Cellular epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors and gene expression can alter the way that cells function.
It is a relatively trending field of research, but it has already had a major impact on our understanding of how diseases develop and how they can be treated. Epigenetic changes are chemical modifications to DNA or histones, the proteins that DNA wraps around. These modifications can affect how genes are expressed, without changing the underlying DNA sequence.
There are three main types of epigenetic changes: DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA. DNA methylation is the addition of a methyl group to a DNA molecule. This can silence genes by making them inaccessible to transcription factors, which are proteins that regulate gene expression.
Histone modification is the addition or removal of chemical groups to histone proteins. This can alter the structure of chromatin, which is the complex of DNA and protein that makes up chromosomes. Non-coding RNA is a type of RNA that does not encode proteins.
It can regulate gene expression by binding to DNA or interfering with the function of transcription factors. Epigenetic changes can be inherited from parents, but they can also be acquired during a person’s lifetime. Environmental factors such as diet, stress, and exposure to toxins can all influence epigenetic changes
Plant-derived compounds
Dietary phytochemicals are plant-derived compounds (fruits and vegetables) that have a variety of health benefits. Some phytochemicals have been shown to have epigenetic effects, meaning that they can alter the way that genes are expressed.
There are a number of different ways that dietary phytochemicals can affect epigenetics. For example, some phytochemicals can inhibit DNA methyltransferases, enzymes that add methyl groups to DNA. This can lead to the demethylation of genes, which can increase their expression.
Other phytochemicals can modify histone proteins, which can also affect gene expression. There is a growing body of evidence that dietary phytochemicals can have beneficial epigenetic effects. For example, studies have shown that phytochemicals from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to protect against cancer, heart disease, and other chronic diseases.
One of the well-studied phytochemicals with epigenetic effects is sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous vegetables. Sulforaphane has been shown to inhibit DNA methyltransferases, demethylate genes, and activate tumour suppressor genes.
Cancer prevention
This suggests that sulforaphane may have a role in preventing cancer. Other phytochemicals with epigenetic effects include quercetin, found in onions, apples, and tea; genistein, found in soy; and lycopene, found in tomatoes. These phytochemicals have been shown to have a variety of beneficial effects, including reducing inflammation, protecting against DNA damage, and promoting cell repair.
Here are some of the potential benefits of dietary phytochemicals for epigenetic health:
May help to prevent cancer by demethylating genes that are silenced in cancer cells.
May help to protect against heart disease by reducing inflammation and promoting cell repair.
May help to prevent diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation.
May help to improve cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress and promoting neuronal repair.