Will Epigenetics Change the Speed of Evolution? | Cheryl Walker, PhD | TEDxBaylorCollegeofMedicine

Summary

This talk explores the stark contrast between the slow process of genetic evolution and the rapid changes in modern society, like technology and climate change. While evolution takes millions of years, our epigenome can respond quickly to environmental influences, even being passed down generations. The speaker highlights the potential dangers of environmental chemicals affecting our epigenome but also envisions a future where we can harness epigenetic knowledge to improve health, with advances in cancer therapies and nutrition. Now is the time to leverage this understanding and shape how we interact with our epigenome.

Takeaways

• 🐢 Evolution is a slow process, with human genomes changing less than 1% in two million years.
• 🚀 Modern technological changes, like the internet and AI, are happening much faster than genetic evolution.
• 🧬 The sequencing of the human genome in 2001 was a monumental achievement, taking over a decade and costing $300 million.
• 💰 Today, genome sequencing can be done in a few days for just $1,000, showcasing the rapid pace of technological progress.
• ⚡ Unlike slow genetic evolution, the epigenome can rapidly respond to environmental changes, affecting gene expression in real time.
• 🧑‍🔬 The epigenome is like software for the genome, telling cells how to behave depending on their environment.
• 🍽 Environmental factors, such as starvation or exposure to chemicals, can reprogram the epigenome, impacting development and health.
• 🔄 Epigenetic changes can be inherited, potentially affecting future generations based on environmental conditions experienced by ancestors.
• ⚠️ Some chemicals, like BPA, are known to reprogram the epigenome and may increase susceptibility to diseases like obesity.
• 🛠 Scientists are developing epigenetic therapies, harnessing the power of the epigenome to promote health and treat conditions like cancer.

Q & A

What is the process by which our genes change to give rise to new species?

Evolution is the process by which our genes change to give rise to new species. It is incredibly slow, with our genome changing by less than one percent in the two million years since we evolved from our ancestor, Homo erectus.

How does the pace of evolutionary change compare to the rapid changes we see in technology and society?

Evolution is moving at a glacial speed compared to the rapid pace of change we see in technology, artificial intelligence, climate, and social media. While we've gone to the moon and are planning to go to Mars, evolution is a much slower process.

What is the significance of the human genome being cloned and sequenced in 2001?

The cloning and sequencing of the human genome in 2001 was a miraculous achievement that was considered impossible at the time. It was published as an insert in Science magazine, marking an amazing moment in scientific history.

How has the cost and time required for genome sequencing changed since 2001?

The cost and time required for genome sequencing have drastically decreased since 2001. What once took over a decade and cost 300 million dollars can now be done for a thousand dollars in a few days.

What is the epigenome and how does it differ from the genome?

The epigenome is a series of small chemical modifications added either to the DNA or to the proteins that make up our chromosomes. It is built to respond rapidly to changes in our environment, unlike the genome, which changes very slowly over time.

How does the epigenome function in relation to the genome?

The epigenome functions as the 'software' of the genome, instructing the genome how to function. It determines which genes are turned on or off in different cells, thus giving cells their specific functions.

How does the epigenome respond to environmental conditions during development?

The epigenome can sense and respond to the environment during development. For example, a fetus developing during a time of starvation will develop differently than one with plenty of nutrients, as the epigenetic programming anticipates and prepares for the environment the child will be born into.

What are the potential negative effects of environmental chemicals on the epigenome?

Environmental chemicals, particularly those we are exposed to early in life, can reprogram our epigenome, potentially increasing our susceptibility to diseases like obesity. Chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and lead are examples of obesogens that can cause these changes.

How can we harness the power of the epigenome to promote health?

We can harness the power of the epigenome by understanding and influencing its programming. We have discovered the enzymes responsible for epigenetic programming and are designing epigenetic therapies for diseases like cancer. Additionally, nutrients like folate can provide the epigenome with the materials it needs to function properly.

What is the potential of epigenetic therapies in medicine?

Epigenetic therapies have the potential to revolutionize medicine by targeting the epigenome rather than the genome itself. This could lead to treatments for conditions like cancer and other diseases influenced by epigenetic changes.

Why is it important to listen to what the environment is saying to our epigenome?

It is important to listen to what the environment is saying to our epigenome because environmental factors can significantly influence our health and susceptibility to diseases. Understanding these interactions can help us make changes to promote better health outcomes.