Epigenetic markers control where and how much protein is made by a gene

Harvard University research: Adverse Early Experiences Can Have Lifelong Consequences

https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/deep-dives/gene-environment-interaction/?platform=hootsuite

Excerpt: "Science tells us that the interactions between genes and environment shape human development. Despite the misconception that genes are “set in stone,” research shows that early experiences can determine how genes are turned on and off — and even whether some are expressed at all. The healthy development of all organs, including the brain, depends on how much and when certain genes are activated to do certain tasks. The experiences that children have early in life, therefore, play a crucial role in the development of brain architecture. Ensuring that children have appropriate, growth-promoting early experiences is an investment in their ability to become healthy, productive members of society.

Experiences Affect How Genes Are Expressed

Inside the nucleus of each cell in our bodies, we have chromosomes, which contain the code for characteristics that pass to the next generation (My add: characteristics are passed with guidance of non coding RNA molecules). Within these chromosomes, specific segments of genetic code, known as genes, make up long, double-helix strands of DNA.

Children inherit approximately 23,000 genes from their parents (My add: The number of protein coding DNA strands is about 19,600 in human genome), but not every gene does what it was designed to do. Experiences (My add: and several other environmental factors) leave a chemical “signature” on genes that determine whether and how the genes are expressed. Collectively, those signatures are called the epigenome.

The brain is particularly responsive to experiences and environments during early development. External experiences spark signals between neurons, which respond by producing proteins. These gene regulatory proteins head to the nucleus of the neural cell, where they either attract or repel enzymes that can attach them to the genes. Positive experiences, such as exposure to rich learning opportunities, and negative influences, such as malnutrition or environmental toxins, can change the chemistry that encodes genes in brain cells — a change that can be temporary or permanent. This process is called epigenetic modification.

Adverse Early Experiences Can Have Lifelong Consequences

Epigenetic “markers” control where and how much protein is made by a gene, effectively turning the gene “on” or “off.” Such epigenetic modification typically occurs in cells that comprise organ systems, thereby influencing how these structures develop and function. Therefore, experiences that change the epigenome early in life, when the specialized cells of organs such as the brain, heart, or kidneys are first developing, can have a powerful impact on physical and mental health for a lifetime.
 

The fact that genes are vulnerable to modification in response to toxic stress, nutritional problems, and other negative influences underscores the importance of providing supportive and nurturing experiences for young children in the earliest years, when brain development is most rapid. From a policy perspective, it is in society’s interest to strengthen the foundations of healthy brain architecture in all young children to maximize the return on future investments in education, health, and workforce development."

My comment: Serious scientists in the academic field are realizing what factors control the reading and expressing of DNA. Epigenetic markers control where and how much protein is made by a gene. To be exact, this regulation is mostly done at pre-mRNA --> mRNA level in which the cell is able to modify RNAs in several complex and intelligent ways. But epigenetic markers control also how DNA is read into transcription. This is why DNA is just a passive information library.