How Epigenetics Contributes to the Understanding of Human Development

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Epigenetics, which studies the phenotypic expression of certain characteristics in relation to the interaction with the environment, specifically of the primary DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequence and that does not modulate the genetic expression. Objective: To identify the role of epigenetics in the understanding of development of the human being. Method: Non-systematic bibliographic review in databases such as PubMed, Elsevier, Academic Google, Scopus, Lilacs, Scielo and website What is epigenetics and NIH, which includes the terms epigenetics, development. Results: Review of 57 articles from 2007 to 2019, of which 30 that were in correspondence with the topic and objective of this literature review study were included. Discussion: Epigenetics refers to all those non-genetic factors involved in the formation of the individual, epigenetics tries to explain why living organisms express some genes and other silences for this way to assemble their physical characteristics. There are several factors involved in epigenetic expression, stories such as nutrition and diet during pregnancy, maltreatment and maternal stress, exercise, microbiome, among others. Conclusion: Epigenetics as a science helps us to understand certain phenomena that occur in the phenotypic expression of characteristics of the individual that could not otherwise be explained. Currently, epigenetic mechanisms are more studied and better understood so that the understanding of human development is in turn more understood.

Keywords

• genetic, epigenetic, development