epigenetics and intergenerational trauma

Epigenetics and intergenerational trauma code#

Reprogramming erases the epigenome to create a genetic blank slate, allowing the cells to differentiate into every type of cell in the body. The process of reprogramming is crucial in the development of complex organisms from specialized reproductive cells such as eggs and sperm.

Epigenetics and intergenerational trauma code#

This unconventional finding challenges the notion that inheritance happens only through the DNA code passed on from parent to offspring, as it suggests that a parent's experiences, in the form of epigenetic tags, can also be passed down to future generations. However, this is not entirely true as some epigenetic tags remain as genetic information is passed from one generation to the next, which is referred to as epigenetic inheritance. In the past, it was believed that an embryo's epigenome was entirely erased and rebuilt from scratch. Rachel Yehuda's groundbreaking study on the impact of severe parental trauma on DNA methylation in Holocaust survivors and their descendants. We will also examine the connection between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and epigenetics. Specifically, we will explore how epigenetic markers can be retained and transmitted across generations, even during the reprogramming process. In this blog, we will delve into the concept of intergenerational trauma and its effects on gene expression. This can increase the risk of mental health issues and autoimmune diseases in offspring.

Recent research has revealed that trauma can trigger epigenetic modifications, which can be inherited and change gene expression. Intergenerational trauma refers to the phenomenon where the experiences of past generations can influence the behavior, emotions, and well-being of future generations. ‍ “Just like a single cell, the character of our lives is determined not by our genes but by our responses to the environmental signals that propel life.” The Ghosts of Our Ancestors: How Intergenerational Trauma Shapes Our Genes