PLMI Blog

It is of great concern that I have observed over the last few years a binary approach to the fields of genetics and epigenetics. Understanding the contribution of genetics and epigenetics towards health is not an ‘either’ ‘or’ equation, it is both. Genetics and epigenetics are the Yin and Yang of understanding how the genes we inherit and the way our genes express themselves are both fundamental drivers in our health journey.

Defining Genetics and Epigenetics

Genetics is about our DNA sequence code. We are 99.9% identical for all the ‘letters’ or nucleotides in our DNA. It is these letters that code for proteins, and therefore are the blueprint for the many enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, cellular structure etc. that contribute to our body’s function, or dysfunction. The 0.1% difference in our code is largely responsible for the different ways we respond to the world around us.

Epigenetics is often misunderstood and incorrectly defined. It is the study of phenotypic changes caused by the modification of gene expression. Methyl groups when removed from a gene will cause the gene to be expressed, the gene unravels itself, and is then able to transcribe, making the protein. In contrast when a methyl group is attached to a gene it silences the gene, rolls it up, and tucks it away in the chromosome, no protein is made.

The Yin and Yang of Genetics

I often use the equation GENETICS + EPIGENETICS = HEALTH. By understanding an individual’s GENETICS we understand who they are and how they respond to the world around them. The foods they eat, exercise they do, supplements they take, and the stress and trauma they may endure or encounter. This gives us insight into ourselves and our clients. When we think about EPIGENETICS, we understand how the choices an individual makes will impact where and when methyl groups are attached or removed and therefore changes the way their genes express themselves. Everything from food, supplements, pharmaceuticals, and social interaction, to environmental exposures and toxins. All daily choices change gene expression.

Epigenetics is about choice. We can’t change our genetics code, but we can make different choices every minute of every day. So how do we bring together the world of genetics and epigenetics?

If we understand who we are and how we respond to the world around us (genetics), we can make the best possible choices to optimize our gene expression (epigenetics), a truly personalized health journey.

The Genetics of Detoxification as an Example

In the GENETICS of detoxification, we wish to understand how gene variants will impact how efficient or inefficient Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification is likely to be. Phase 1 genes include CYP2C19, CYP1A1, CYCP1A2, CYP1B1, CYP17A1, CYP3A4 etc. These genes when considered as part of a polygenic risk score give insight into Phase 1 function. While Phase 1 activates both endogenous and exogenous metabolites, it is Phase 2 that is responsible for conjugating these activated molecules and enabling the body to excrete these toxins from the body. Phase 2 genes include: COMT, GSTs, MTHFR, NQ01, UGT2Bs, SULT1A1 etc. Ideally, we want a slower Phase 1 and a faster Phase 2, to ensure that activated, and therefore damaging metabolites, are effectively removed from the body.

In the EPIGENETICS of detoxification, we use the insights we have gained from an individual’s genetic profile to personalize intervention. In the case of a slower Phase 2, phytonutrients can be used to ‘switch on’ or express phase 2 genes. The most bioavailable and effective of these phytonutrients is sulforaphane (SFN)(Houghton CA 2016, 2019). Raw cruciferous vegetables contain both glucoraphanin and the enzyme myrosinase. In the act of chewing myrosinase acts on glucoraphanin, producing the molecule SFN. SFN has many epigenetic superpowers. Not only is it able to activate Phase 2 detoxification genes like the Glutathione S Transferases’ (Lampe JW 2009), but it is also able to activate and switch on NRF2, an extraordinary transcription factor that by itself activates over 500 genes that optimize cellular defense (Houghton CA, 2016).

The Chicken and The Egg

By gaining insight into our genetic code and how it impacts our biochemical and metabolic function, we can make the best possible epigenetic choices. When a nutrient changes gene expression or acts as a co-factor for a gene, its’ impact on the body is exponential. When genetics and epigenetics is used by clinicians to their fullest potential, nutrition is finally able to fulfill the promise of ‘food as medicine’.

Dr Yael Joffe PhD
Founder & CSO 3X4 Genetics

References

1. Lampe JW. Interindividual differences in response to plant-based diets: implications for
   cancer risk. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 May;89(5):1553S-1557S.
2. Houghton CA, Fassett RG, Coombes JS. Sulforaphane and Other Nutrigenomic Nrf2
   Activators: Can the Clinician’s Expectation Be Matched by the Reality? Oxidative
   Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2016;2016:1-17.
3. Houghton CA. Sulforaphane: Its “Coming of Age” as a Clinically Relevant Nutraceutical
   in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019 Oct
   14;2019:2716870.