The EDGE hypothesis: epigenetically directed genetic errors in repeat-containing proteins (RCPs) involved in evolution, neuroendocrine signaling, and cancer.

ABSTRACT: Trans-generational epigenetic phenomena, such as contamination with endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that decrease fertility and the global methylation status of DNA in the offspring, are of great concern because they may affect health, particularly the health of children. However, of even greater concern is the possibility that trans-generational changes in the methylation status of the DNA might lead to permanent changes in the DNA sequence itself. By contaminating the environment with EDCs, mankind might be permanently affecting the health of future generations. In this section, we present evidence from our laboratory and others that trans-generational epigenetic changes in DNA might lead to mutations directed to genes encoding amino acid repeat-containing proteins (RCPs) that are

SUBMITTER: Ruden DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2716011 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature