For very long period of time, genetics was thought to be the only factor determining everything of life. We found that epigenetics is providing another layer of control on life over genetics through our research.
Every cells of our body has the same genetic composition. It is epigenetics directing cell fate and driving them to form different body parts.
Human genome is like the hardware of the command centre of life. Epigenetics is the software controlling the operation of life.
Epigenetics controls the function of DNA through DNA methylation.
Once a methyl group is added to cytosine of DNA through the function of SAM and DNMT, it’s function is switched off.
Epigenetics is also responsible for protecting us from cancer. If epigenetics went wrong, cells can grown in an uncontrolled manner and become cancerous.