PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT & EPIGENETICS
-Shivakumar
Belavadi, PPNE, Bangalore, India
TOPIC - Define epigenetics and explain why it is important to human development
and most especially prenatal and perinatal psychology.
DEFINING EPIGENETICS
GENETICS - gives us the understanding
of DNA and Genes. A gene is a segment of the DNA strand, which contains a basic
sequencing code causing a particular biological development or transaction to
take place. This was understood to be locked in at the time of conception when
23 chromosomes from the mother and 23 from the father combine to create a new
life in a cellular form called Zygote. It was believed that this pattern would
not change and thus what was determined at conception was what one lived with
for his/her lifetime. This was the foundational premise of genetic determinism.
EPIGENETICS - While the sequencing
of the code within the DNA may not change, it is now known and understood that modifications
could be caused in the way a gene expresses itself. This is usually referred to
as the “switching on and switching off” of genes. Certain mechanisms called
environmental signals could cause the switching on/off of genes and thus alter their
expression. Such mechanisms go beyond the ab-initio
determining code and cause the on/off events in gene expression.
Epigenetics opens up the understanding from the limited
range of cause and effect being orchestrated only through genes and genetic
coding within them, to the larger aspects of influences from outside and the
interconnections between the outside and inside.
Signals
could be from the environment within the body as in chemicals and hormones or
from the environment outside the body like radiation or traumatic events of
rape, accident or large scale ones like 9-11. Knowing and understanding the
signalling/switching on/off mechanisms is being done through super sciences
like “Signal Transduction”. These modifications may not change the DNA
sequence, but instead, they affect how cells "read" genes. An example
would be the addition of a methyl group to a DNA molecule which will not alter
the DNA sequence but can prevent genes from being expressed.
In
summary, Epigenetics literally means "above" or "on top of"
genetics. It refers to external modifications to DNA that turn genes
"on" or "off."
IMPORTANCE OF EPIGENETICS TO HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Genetic
Determinism had limited human endeavour, form, expressions, thoughts, feelings,
emotions, diseases ……… indeed all of life because of a definitive event which
take place once in a life-time i.e. at the time of conception. Once that
determination happened, there was no further scope for change or modification.
Thus one had to live life in accordance with that. We had no further control on
our life. For instance, we had to contract a particular disease, if it were to
be caused by a gene, we had to have a certain defined bodily form and structure
and all of what we are and live to was determined by the sequencing code in a
DNA. This had severely affected
inspiration to change and put creativity of humanity at the mercy of genetic
determinism.
Epigenetics
has brought back a new hope into mankind. It is
now clear that environmental signals could alter gene expression and therefore
we could still be masters of our life and perceptions! We need not be enslaved by
“deterministic body, thoughts and feelings” but regain a sense of purpose,
control or modify our lives to charter new avenues using epigenetics. Thus we
can lead a more holistic life and not be stifled by genes.
We can
clearly sense that we are not helpless being purely under the control of genes
but can look upon ourselves with renewed confidence. The way my body is, my
thoughts, feelings and emotions are and connections to everything in and around
me is- that’s what makes me – ME ! I am
no prisoner of genes!
Today
chemicals and physical surgery are the two known medical means. New paradigm
for growth and development are opening up. There could be new cures for
diseases. These could expand to energy healing, psychic healing and the like
which could be through usage of pure environmental signals.
We can
alter expression of genes to make living more meaningful and purposeful. But, we
also need to exercise due caution as environmental signals could be a double
edged sword if we catch-on to wrong signals!
IMPORTANCE TO PRENATAL AND PERINATAL PSYCHOLOGY
In the
understanding fostered by genetic determinism, it was felt that no further
intervention was possible in shaping the life of child/human being once
conception had happened. With the advent
of epigenetics, that has changed. In the light of the new understanding through
epigenetics, we now know that a child in the womb and in early stages of life
is capable of taking in inputs. Parents and care-givers can be empowered and
they in turn can infuse energy, life and purpose into a child.
Our understanding of childbirth, child growth, childhood and
role of parents, caregivers and society will be more purposeful. Gene
selection, genomic imprinting and gene expression are all subject to
influences. From the preconception phase, through pregnancy and infancy,
efforts could be made to improve the quality of life of a child. A child can
take inputs and respond to those - all through these phases.
Congenital
diseases, prenatal and perinatal disorders, manifestations of diseases like
cancer in adults may be addressed differently. New and holistic methods of
prevention or treatment could emerge for the likes of autism, Downs Syndrome
and childhood conditions disorders. On the positive side, inputs could be given
to improve health, immunity, intelligence, behaviour and such other aspects of
development of a child. Parents and society will have a role to play in the
growth and development of children.
This
leaves humanity with hope. We have an opportunity to improve the quality of
lives of our children - make them healthier, endow them with immunity, fill
them with more abilities and make them worthy members of society. Indeed earth
could become a better place. We can look forward to bringing up children in a
new light.
