Epigenetics: An Unusual Pattern of Inheritance

Asad Khan; Mohan Singh Thakur; Shrikant Joshi; Vaishali  Khare; Rajesh Kumar Vandre; Mona Sharma

Authors

Asad Khan Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, INDIA
Mohan Singh Thakur Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur
Shrikant Joshi Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur
Vaishali Khare Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur
Rajesh Kumar Vandre Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur
Mona Sharma Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur

Keywords:

Epigenetics, Genetics, Inheritance, Livestock

Abstract

Epigenetics is an emerging field of research that has attracted much interest in genetic studies of various diseases and disorders. It plays a significant role in various biological phenomena such as gene expression in early embryonic development, silencing, and imprinting of transposons, etc. Recently, it has been shown that epigenetic effects can be inherited from one generation to the next. An individual is exposed to a certain kind of environment its entire life which is capable of triggering chemical changes which can activate or silence genes. For example, diet, exercise, stress, seasonal changes, exposure to therapeutic drugs, etc. are capable of bringing out beneficial or detrimental epigenetic changes that can affect metabolism, health, and development. All these factors can alter the epigenetic profile of an individual permanently.

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