For years, scientists have been fascinated with how DNA mutations impart phenotypic changes. However, epigeneticists including Andrew Pospisilik think mutations are responsible for only a portion of the variation present in all organisms. Epigenetic changes from molecules attaching to DNA and histones—proteins that compact DNA into chromatin—and other factors that modulate gene expression allow organisms the flexibility to change according to their environment. These changes can be inherited, altering the phenotypes of future generations in the absence of mutations.
Pospisilik is specifically interested in how influences early in life and even prior to birth cause epigenetic changes that have health consequences. In 2018, Pospisilik joined Van Andel Institute (VAI) as a founding member of its Metabolic and Nutritional Programming group to further his exploration into how different phenotypes can emerge from the same DNA sequence. He’s now chair of VAI’s Department of Epigenetics.
What inspired you to become an epigeneticist?
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