Understanding epigenetics in health and human diseases – An overview

Abstract: Epigenetics, the study of heritable changes in gene expression without alterations to the DNA sequence, is crucial for the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors influencing human health. This overview traces the historical evolution of epigenetics, from early conceptualizations by Valentin Haecker and Conrad Waddington to modern insights such as epigenetic editing. Key mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs are explored, highlighting their roles in various diseases including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders. The influence of environmental factors on epigenetic plasticity underscores the importance of lifestyle choices in health outcomes. Promising therapeutic strategies using epigenetics pave the way for personalized medicine. This comprehensive review emphasizes the need for an integrative approach to health that considers the dynamic relationship between genetics, environment, and epigenetics.