Genetics & Your Omics Profile
Welcome to Week 8 of the Wellness Revolution. While we are only approaching the halfway mark of the program, this is the final week of our journey of ‘building health.’ This module holds exceptional significance as we delve into the fascinating world of your genetic makeup. Your genes hold a treasure trove of information about your health. They reveal vital insights into your predisposition to diseases, your family's medical history, your ancestral heritage, and much more.
Genetic Code
In the intricate realm of human biology, we find the genetic code—a complex yet elegant framework that defines our essence. Humans consist of 23 pairs of chromosomes, inherited from each parent, neatly housed within the DNA residing in our cell nuclei. Remarkably, nearly 99.99% of this genetic code is shared among all individuals.
At the core of this genetic code, we encounter genes—minute yet powerful segments of chromosomes responsible for guiding the creation of essential proteins. These proteins, in turn, constitute the fundamental components of our cells, shaping our biological makeup.
It is worth noting that only a handful of medical conditions stem from the malfunction of a single gene. The intricate interplay of our genetic composition hinges not solely on genes but also on factors such as chromosome count, the presence of extra or defective genes, and specific gene variations. Genes themselves do not trigger illnesses; rather, they act as architects, specifying the design of proteins that perform numerous vital functions within our bodies. The translation of genes into functional proteins is meticulously governed, influenced by functional proteins and the availability of essential nutrients derived from our diet.
While we are born with a predetermined set of genes, their expression is profoundly shaped by a multitude of factors spanning physical, biological, emotional, mental, and social dimensions. Genes rarely act in isolation to cause issues. Instead, their functioning is influenced by a dynamic interplay between nature and nurture. The science of genetics is not solely governed by genes but is equally affected by epigenetics—a field where external factors exert a significant impact on gene function.
In essence, our genetic code is not a static blueprint but a dynamic script, continuously modified by life's influences. Nature and nurture collaborate to define our uniqueness and experiences. Our exploration of genetics involves more than comprehending the code; it involves recognizing the intricate interplay of factors that converge to define our individuality.
If you have family members who have faced physical, brain, or mental health challenges, it is important to recognize that you may have a higher risk of experiencing similar challenges. However, it is crucial to dispel the misconception that a genetic risk equates to a predetermined fate. Far too often, individuals fall into the trap of believing that they are destined to suffer from a disease solely due to their family's genetic history. This belief can lead to a defeatist attitude and the development of unhealthy habits that, ironically, increase the likelihood of experiencing such issues.
The truth, however, is that many people not only inherit genes from their families but also adopt their families' unhealthy behaviours. These behaviours can significantly elevate the risk of developing physical, brain, or mental health conditions for which there is a genetic predisposition. The challenges within your family may have subjected you to enduring stresses, further contributing to your genetic vulnerability.
It is important to remember that genes are not a verdict; they serve as a wake-up call. They prompt you to acknowledge your inherent risks and motivate you to take proactive steps to mitigate them. They serve as a reminder of your vulnerabilities and encourage you to prioritize the care of your body, brain, and mind.
In this context, genes are akin to loading a gun, but it is your behaviour and environment that ultimately pull the trigger. By understanding your genetic vulnerability, you gain the insight needed to make informed choices and create a healthier, more supportive environment for yourself. It is not about resigning yourself to fate, but rather, it is about taking control of your well-being and steering your life in a positive direction.
Genetic Vulnerability
Heredity is a fundamental force that plays a significant role in shaping our genetic makeup and, in turn, influencing our health and wellbeing. At its core, heredity is the process through which we inherit genetic information from our parents, a vital aspect of the intricate genetic puzzle that defines each of us.
Every individual carry two copies of each gene, one inherited from their mother and the other from their father. This intricate dance of genetic inheritance is what we refer to as heredity. These inherited genes lay the foundation for our unique genetic code, setting the stage for our physical and biological characteristics.
Hereditary
Alleles represent the diverse versions of a particular gene. In individuals, a gene can exist in various forms or variants, known as alleles. These alleles can be categorized into non-affected and affected variants. Non-affected variants refer to alleles that are considered normal or do not contribute to a specific condition. In contrast, affected variants may contain one or two copies of the gene with variations that are associated with a particular trait or condition.
This distinction between non-affected and affected alleles is crucial in understanding how genetic diversity can influence an individual's traits, health, and susceptibility to certain conditions. Alleles serve as the genetic building blocks that contribute to the diversity of the human population.
Alleles
Genetic markers serve as indicators of genetic predisposition. However, it is important to recognize that these markers are not absolutes. They represent potential genetic tendencies that can be influenced and modified by various factors, including dietary choices, environmental exposures, and epigenetic processes.
Having a genetic marker that suggests a predisposition to a particular trait or condition does not automatically mandate a specific course of action. Instead, it highlights the importance of informed decision-making and proactive measures. It is a reminder that genetics is just one piece of the puzzle, and lifestyle choices and environmental factors play significant roles in determining one's overall health and wellbeing.
Genetic Markers
Genomics
The Human Genome Project in 2003 marked a monumental milestone in genomics. This ambitious international effort successfully sequenced and identified all three billion base pairs of DNA's that constitute our genetic instructions. At its inception in 1990, the Human Genome Project was a groundbreaking scientific Endeavor that came with a substantial cost, amounting to approximately $5 billion when adjusted for inflation.
Since then, advances in technology and automation have revolutionized the field of genomics, leading to significant cost reductions in DNA sequencing. As you mentioned, it is now possible to get your genome sequenced for a fraction of the original cost, often less than $200, thanks to high-throughput sequencing technologies and increased competition in the genomics industry.
These advancements have not only made genome sequencing more accessible to individuals but have also paved the way for genomic aggregators and large-scale genomics research projects. These aggregators gather vast amounts of genetic data from individuals around the world, creating an invaluable resource for researchers.
The primary goal of these endeavours is to gain a deeper understanding of human health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on disease prevention and treatment. By analysing the genetic data of diverse populations, researchers can identify genetic factors associated with various diseases, assess individual disease risk, and develop personalized healthcare approaches. Genomics has indeed opened new frontiers in medicine, and ongoing research continues to shed light on the intricate relationship between genetics and health.
Jing and the Genes
Although Chinese Medicine does not have a corresponding concept to genes, ‘Jing’ (精) is a fundamental concept representing a person's essence or vital energy. As one of the Three Treasures, along with Qi and Shen. In the Three Treasures Principles, Jing is considered the ‘foundation’ or ‘source’ of information (potential energy). ‘Qi’ transforms information (energy), resulting in the manifestation of ‘Shen,’ which is the ‘outcome’ (expression of energy).’ Jing can be divided into two aspects:
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Pre-natal Jing (Congenital Jing or Yuan Jing): the essence that is created before the foundation, before birth. In humans, this aspect of Jing is inherited from one's parents at conception. It represents the genetic and ancestral component of one's vitality and is often associated with our basic constitution and potential. It is believed to be finite, meaning it is gradually depleted throughout a person's life.
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Post-natal Jing (Acquired Jing or Hou Tian Jing): the essence acquired throughout life through nutrition, lifestyle, and environment. It represents the ability to maintain and replenish one's vitality. Practices like a balanced diet, exercise, rest, and stress management are thought to influence post-natal Jing.
Jing represents the potential energy within us, often associated with the kidneys and the reproductive system in TCM. It is believed that nurturing and preserving Jing throughout one's life can contribute to vitality, longevity, and the ability to withstand the stresses of aging.
The concept of Jing is deeply rooted in Chinese Medicine. It plays a fundamental role in our understanding of genetics, not only in terms of our genetic makeup (pre-heaven jing), but how the genes are expressed (post-heaven jing). This is important to health, well-being and aging, forming a part of our baseline health and susceptibility to certain conditions.
Genotype is the intricate array of genes an individual possesses that forms the foundation of our unique genetic identity. This genetic blueprint is an essential element that shapes our health and wellbeing in profound ways. At its core, the genotype is the complete set of genes that an individual carries, representing the genetic heritage inherited from our parents. These genes contain the instructions for building the proteins that govern the myriad of processes occurring within our bodies.