Epigenetic differences arise during the lifetime of monozygotic twins

The finding:

Investigating epigenetic profiles of 80 sets of identical twins, ages 3 to 74, Manel Esteller of the Spanish National Cancer Center in Madrid and his colleagues revealed how lifestyle and age can impact phenotype. Unsurprisingly, older twin pairs differed more in things like DNA methylation and histone acetylation than younger twins. Greater lifestyle dissimilarities between twins correlated with epigenetic variability, and gene expression microarrays confirmed that epigenetic differences correspond with increased phenotypic disparities.

The follow-up:

“We are now mapping twins with different penetrance for a particular disease, such as diabetes or autoimmune disease,” Esteller says. “By comparing the epigenomes of both twins, we can isolate genes that contribute to the development of these diseases.”

Perfecting the studies:

Stephen Baylin at John Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore calls the group’s work “a poster child for the importance of epigenetics.” But a more perfect study would start with twins, get a baseline for any differences, and track epigenetic, lifestyle, and phenotypic differences over time, “That’s easier said than done,” he admits.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Steve - fascinatng stuff. Once again, the research shows us that how we express our genes has everything to do with our health. Nutritionally speaking, finding ways to harmonize the signalling pathways to our genes will help bring us a better quality of life.