in transporting methyl groups and attaching them to DNA, and deficiencies in these essential molecules can have effects on levels of DNA methylation in the body. Because our grand-children are what we eat, adequate levels of these nutrients are essential to set up the correct patterns of methylation not only in our own bodies but in our offspring as well, and these pat-terns, in the form of epigenetic tags, are also passed on to the next generation. mind that beneficial lifestyle choices today have not only the potential to improve our health outcomes but may have an impact on the health outcomes in our descendants as well. On the other hand, ill-considered lifestyle choices, like those of the villagers of Norrbotten, may radically alter longevity and health outcomes for generations to come. As one Norrbotten researcher observed, “We are all guard-ians of our genome.” 8 • DARWIN’S DNA AND THE EPIGENETICS REVOLUTION Epigenetics introduces a new dimension to the interaction between us and the environment. It can allow us to make a range of individual, personalized responses to exter nal stimuli irrespective of our genetic programming, and some of these adaptations may be passed to future generations epigenetically. This astonishing and, until recently, unsuspected flex-ibility in our ability to shape physiological characteristics in ourselves and our offspring comes with both hope and a warning. DNA is not your destiny. Not all characteristics are hard-wired into our genetic makeup. Epigenetics shows us that the plasticity inherent in our phenotypes allows us to adapt to changing environmental conditions more quickly, and to an unimagined degree, and that adaptive changes in human physiology are not limited to Darwin’s classic model of natural selection and mutation over many generations. Until we better understand the strange witches’ brew of nature and nurture that makes us who we are, it may be well to bear in REFERENCES 1. Triano, JJ. The science and clinical application of manual therapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone; 2011. Chapter 6, Survey of mechanotransduction disorders: p.105. 2. Sarin VK, Erikson GM, Giori NJ, Bergman AG, Carter DR. Coincident development of sesamoid bones and clues to their evolution, The Anatomical Record, 1999; 257(5): 174-180. 3. Epigenome Network of Excellence, http://epigenome.eu/ en/2,48,875 4. Phillips, T. The role of methylation in gene expression. Nature Education, 2008; 1(1). 5. Berreby, D. Environmental Impact: Research in behav-ioral epigenetics is seeking evidence that links experience to biochemistry to gene expression and back out again. The Scientist, March, 2011; 25(3): 40. 6. Epigenome Network of Excellence, http://epigenome.eu/en/2,48,872 7. Epigenome Network of Excellence, http://epigenome.eu/en/2,48,875 8. The Ghost in Your Genes, BBC Science and Nature, http://www. bbc.co.uk/sn/tvradio/programmes/horizon/ghostgenes.shtml do you know someone who would like to be a chiropractor? The New Zealand College of Chiropractic is world renowned for its in-depth training in five core chiropractic techniques, its philosophical integrity, and its focus on professional practice and self-development. Students from a wide range of ages come from all over the world to be part of this experience. To secure their place, ask them to contact the College at [email protected] call 64 9 526 6789 or see us at www.chiropractic.ac.nz and help them to heal the world. 14309 NZCC Canadian www.canadianchiropr actor.ca Chiropractic Mag Ad 02 FA.indd 1 16/12/10 10:51 CANADiAN CHiROPRACT OR | JUNE 2011 AM • 29
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