Lecture 4 Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is the importance of gene expression in medicine?
Gene expression is crucial for understanding genetic diseases and their treatments
It integrates genomic and epigenomic signals affecting health.
What are epigenetic marks?
Epigenetic marks are chemical modifications that influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence
These can be affected by environmental stimuli and lifestyle factors.
What is the difference between single gene disorders and complex diseases?
Single gene disorders involve ONE gene, while complex diseases are caused by multiple genes and environmental factors
Examples of complex diseases include asthma, Alzheimer disease, and diabetes.
What factors contribute to complex diseases?
Complex diseases arise from multiple genes, gene networks, and environmental/lifestyle factors
They often do not follow typical inheritance patterns.
What is a phenotype?
A phenotype is the observable characteristics of an individual, influenced by genetic and environmental factors
It reflects the interaction between genotype and environment.
What are the components of a gene expression profile?
The gene expression profile includes:
* Primary DNA sequence
* Regulatory sequences
* Gene networks
* Chromatin architecture
* Epigenetics/epigenomics
These factors collectively impact gene expression in cells.
How does hypermethylation affect cancer?
Hypermethylation of promoter regions in tumor suppressor genes can lead to cancer
It is associated with several cancers, including breast and colorectal cancers.
What role do epigenetic marks play in autoimmune diseases?
Epigenetic marks, like DNA promoter hypomethylation, are associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis
They can alter gene expression and contribute to disease pathology.
What changes in epigenetic marks are associated with neurodegenerative disorders?
Abnormal epigenetic marks can lead to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia
This includes DNA promoter hypomethylation of many genes.
How does addiction relate to epigenetics?
Genetic background influences addiction susceptibility, but epigenetic marks from substance exposure can lead to altered behaviors
Examples include morphine and cocaine affecting DNA methylation and histone acetylation.
What is the relationship between lifestyle and diabetes?
A poor lifestyle can lead to altered epigenetic marks, increasing the risk of diabetes
Genetic factors also play a role in determining diabetes susceptibility.
How does exercise influence gene expression?
Exercise changes DNA methylation patterns to enhance health and wellbeing
It can lead to increased expression of tumor suppressor genes and decreased expression of oncogenes.
What dietary factors influence epigenetic marks?
Dietary components like folate and B vitamins can affect DNA methylation patterns, influencing gene expression
They can help silence certain gene promoters and activate DNA repair genes.
What impact do environmental chemicals have on epigenetics?
Environmental chemicals and toxins can cause permanent epigenetic changes that may be passed to offspring
This can include decreased expression of tumor suppressor genes.
What is the effect of maternal influences on fetal development?
The in utero environment can modulate fetal development through epigenetic modifications
Factors like maternal stress can lead to abnormal brain development and increased disease risk.
What is transgenerational inheritance?
Transgenerational inheritance refers to how altered epigenetic marks can affect future generations
It raises questions about the influence of parents and grandparents on gene expression.
What is precision medicine?
Precision medicine aims to deliver the right treatment based on individual genetics and biochemical individuality
It seeks to minimize adverse drug responses and maximize therapeutic effects.
What are the limitations of precision medicine?
Limitations include the difficulty in identifying genetic influences and the need to consider environmental interactions
Complex gene networks complicate understanding drug responses.
What is epigenetic therapy?
Epigenetic therapy involves altering epigenetic marks to treat genetic diseases
It is a potential component of precision medicine, using DNA methylation inhibitors for conditions like cancer and psychiatric disorders.
What is the impact of adverse drug responses (ADRs)?
ADRs affect 28% of hospitalized patients and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality costs
The overall incidence of ADRs is reported to be 7%.
