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Reply To: | Harold F. De Bruyn |
Date: | Thu, 2 Mar 2006 21:18:45 -0500 |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
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<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
As many of us are aware, even though identical twins have the very same
DNA they do not always develop the same way. There are a number of
researchers who have been exploring this and a number of their works
relate to the phenomena of epigenetics and imprinted genes. Some of
this work has developed rapidly since the genome studies have been
completed. Some of their work focuses on autoimmune diseases and
diseases controlled by the human major histocompatibility complex,
which may sound a bell for people in the celiac world.
The epigenetics theory is that there is a second genetic code beyond
the ones we are familiar with. This code acts to silence or turn up the
activity of genes. With identical twins one twin may have a gene
silenced. Thus it would not take effect, or would take effect more
slowly. The second code would not show up on the usual DNA tests.
Currently research is underway the way to develop molecular diagnostic
tests which would indicate what was operating.
The Imprinted gene theory suggests that the outcome of genes may
depend from which sex the gene is coming. If the gene comes from the
mother it may silence a gene or the opposite while the father's gene
will have a different effect even hough they are genetically the
identical. Much of this imprinting appears to happen before birth.
If a gene is silenced it cannot counter the effect of the active gene.
This leads to some of the known genetic birth defects. Also, with
age, the silencing gene, if it has a protective effect, may lose its
power. Thus an illness may arise as a person gets older. ( People who
hybridize plants have learned that it is important to plan which is to
be the seed parent.)
I have tried to write this in a rather broad way . It is based on some
articles in the Wall Street Journal followed up by internet searches
on epigenetics and imprinted genes.
I feel that this has some very strong implications for the variable way
celiac disease presents and why it may change over time. If any one
knows of researchers in the celiac and refractive sprue worlds who are
studying this area. I would like to learn about them.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Irma De Bruyn
Visit the Celiac Web Page at Http://www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/index.html
Archives are at: Http://Listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?LIST=CELIAC
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