Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Epigenetics and Health
School
University of Notre Dame**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
BIOLOGY 226
Subject
Biology
Date
Dec 11, 2024
Pages
5
Uploaded by JusticeFire5236
EPIGENETICS:Why Being Poor Damages Your DNA?By: Kaitlyn Contreras
What is Epigenetics?Environmental factors that contribute to epigenetic modifications:●Diet & Nutrition●Stress●Physical Activity●Environmental Toxins●Social Experiences-Refers to changes in gene activity that don’t alter the DNA❏These changes affect how genes are expressedBeech, Tim. “Types of epigenetic modifications.” biomodal, 18 December 2023, https://biomodal.com/blog/epigenetics-unlocking-the-secrets-of-gene-regulation/. Accessed 5 November 2024.
SES & DNA Methylation●Did you know that your socioeconomic status may have a significant impact on your epigenetic landscape?❖Research has shown that individuals from lower SES backgrounds often experience significant epigenetic changes, which can negatively impact their health○A study by Northwestern University found that lower SES led to increased methylation at 1,777 sites compared to high SES■Methylation patterns were observed in genes related to skeletal development, immune function, and nervous system developmentAnyaso, Hilary Hurd, and Thomas McDade. “Poverty leaves a mark on our genes.” Northwestern Now, 5 April 2019, https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2019/04/poverty-leaves-a-mark-on-our-genes/. Accessed 5 November 2024.
Marmot MG, Smith GD, Stansfeld S, Patel C, North F, Head J, White I, Brunner E, Feeney A. Health inequalities among British civil servants: the Whitehall II study. Lancet. 1991 Jun 8;337(8754):1387-93. doi: 10.1016/0140-6736(91)93068-k. PMID: 1674771.
ConclusionThe relationship between SES and epigenetic modifications are still being studied todaySo far, lower SES has been linked to increased risk for various diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancers, and infectious diseasesThe research regarding SES and epigenetics has brought awareness to health and racial disparities among unprivileged communitiesPoverty isn’t just a matter of financial strain; it can leave a lasting mark on our DNA. Epigenetics teaches us that our environment plays a huge role in shaping who we are by influencing how our genes are expressedAnyaso, Hilary Hurd, and Thomas McDade. “Poverty leaves a mark on our genes.” Northwestern Now, 5 April 2019, https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2019/04/poverty-leaves-a-mark-on-our-genes/. Accessed 5 November 2024.