Epigenetics

     The study of how outside influences affect gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence is known as epigenetics. It includes a range of biological processes that can activate or deactivate genes, including as histone modification, DNA methylation, and RNA-associated silencing. For instance, abnormal DNA methylation in some malignancies can mute the gene BRCA1, which is essential for DNA repair and tumor suppression, hence promoting carcinogenesis. Similar to this, epigenetic changes may cause the TP53 gene, which is sometimes referred to as the "guardian of the genome," to lose its protective role and permit uncontrolled proliferation of cells. Changes in cellular function and behavior can result from these alterations, which can be caused by a variety of environmental factors like food, stress, and exposure to chemicals. In development, aging, and the start of diseases like cancer, where aberrant epigenetic patterns can result in the activation of cancer genes or the absence of tumor suppressor genes, epigenetic modifications are important because they can be constant and heritable.  

   Future generations may be impacted by the effects of epigenetics, which go beyond personal health. For example, incidents and events that alter a person's epigenetic markers may be inherited by their children, impacting their health and susceptibility to illnesses. The Agouti gene in mice is a well-researched example, where the epigenetic regulation of this gene can be influenced by the food of the mother, affecting the obesity and health of the children. Transgenerational epigenetics, the study of how environmental factors and lifestyle decisions affect not just the person but also future generations, has gained attention as a result of this. Gaining insight into these intricate relationships could result in the development of new therapeutic approaches that focus on epigenetic mechanisms, opening up new treatment options for a range of illnesses, including medications that undo aberrant epigenetic changes. 

https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Epigenetics

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2394853/