Epigenetics

What is meant by epigenetics?

Epigenetics is a field of biology that studies changes in gene behavior that do not directly involve the genetic information contained in DNA. The main difference between genetics and epigenetics is that genetics deals primarily with modifications involving the genetic information contained in DNA, whereas epigenetics concerns modifications of genes that do not alter that information. These changes impact gene expression and can be passed from generation to generation. Epigenetics helps to understand how the environment and experiences influence gene activity and an organism’s phenotype, i.e., the set of morphological and functional traits of an organism as they result from the expression of its genotype and environmental influences.

Epigenetics focuses on chemical and structural alterations in DNA and histones, the proteins associated with DNA. These changes, known as epigenetic markers, do not change the DNA sequence but can determine whether genes are turned on or off, regulating the accessibility of DNA to transcription mechanisms.

DNA methylation, chemical modifications of histones such as methylation and acetylation, and overall chromatin structure are epigenetic markers. The environment—including diet, lifestyle, exposure to chemicals, stressWhat is stress? From a clinical perspective, stress is a phy... More, and physical activity—can influence these markers. Epigenetic changes can also occur during embryonic development and can be transmitted across generations. However, the precise mechanism of epigenetic inheritance is still not fully understood.

Epigenetics has shown that epigenetic changes can affect an organism’s phenotype over a long period, influencing development, growth, and susceptibility to disease. For example, correlations have been found between abnormal epigenetic modifications and certain types of diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

Epigenetics and learning

Epigenetics is important for understanding how the environment and experiences influence learningIl termine apprendimento - con i sinonimi imparare, assimila... More and the development of children in education. Research shows that early experiences and the growth environment can influence epigenetic modifications, which in turn affect the brain, behavior, and cognitive abilities of children.

Furthermore, epigenetics offers new perspectives for personalizing learning and adapting educational approaches to the particular needs of students. Understanding how epigenetic changes occur in response to environment and experience can help select effective strategies and educational interventions that best support student well-being and learning.

Research by Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti on QMT and epigenetics

One of the key factors for well-being in the study of epigenetics is the “epigenetic clock,” which represents the rate of an individual’s epigenetic aging. Faster epigenetic clocks have been associated with lower longevity and higher incidence of disease. Stress and trauma accumulated over a lifetime are factors that accelerate the environmental epigenetic clock. Conversely, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and education can counteract the acceleration of the epigenetic clock.

Through collaboration with international scientific partners, extensive research has been conducted on the effects of Quadrato Motor Training (QMT) at the neuronal, molecular, and behavioral levels. Results showed that QMT improves attention, reflectivity, and creativity, likely through the stimulation of neuroplasticity processes that enhance brain connectivity. Electrophysiology and MRI studies suggested that QMT promotes greater connectivity between different brain areas. At the molecular level, links were found between QMT-induced neuroplasticity and variations in proNGF and proBDNF neurotrophin levels in saliva.

Preliminary results also indicate a general positive effect of QMT on inflammation markers. Overall, these findings suggest that practicing QMT positively affects well-being at the neurophysiological, immunological, cognitive, and emotional levels. This opens the possibility of using QMT as a complementary treatment for early-stage neurodegenerative diseases.

“Among lifestyle factors – conclude the authors of the study “On the road to resilienceWhat is meant by resilience? According to the American Psych... More: epigenetic effects of meditation” – the practice of meditation and techniques aimed at increasing awareness have also been studied in relation to the modulation of the epigenetic clock. These results indicate that meditation, as a strategy to prevent accelerated aging, may have a protective and potentially rejuvenating effect on epigenetic aging, and that regular practice may help stabilize DNAm profiles across ages, possibly through reducing the psychological stress triggered by the practice.”

To read the full article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0083672922000991?dgcid=author