Update Date: 2009/01/21 04:09
[Reporter Lin Jiaqi / Taipei Report]

Taiwan's genetic research has taken a significant leap forward! Assistant Professor Wang Sun-chung from the Institute of Systems Biology at Central University has studied the human methylation mechanism, observing that identical twins with identical genomes (DNA sequences) have the same innate conditions but different fates due to differences in their postnatal environment and habits. This discovery will revise the traditional "genetic determinism," proving that postnatal efforts can also lead to good genes, which can then be inherited as the greatest asset for the next generation.

Postnatal Efforts to Modify Methylation and Correct Bad Genes

Wang Sun-chung stated that while scientists have previously conducted methylation research on fruit flies, yeast, and mice, ethical considerations have delayed human experiments. However, the team found that although identical twins have the same genome, differences begin to emerge as they grow up due to factors such as diet, stress, and hormones. Therefore, they began a large-scale observation of 114 pairs of identical twins and 80 pairs of fraternal twins worldwide, analyzing the methylation distribution of their leukocyte, rectal, and oral cell genomes. They discovered that "the similarity of genome methylation in identical twins is higher than in fraternal twins," implying that DNA methylation differences have hereditary potential and also confirming the significant impact of lifestyle behaviors and habits beyond genes.

Both the genome and the methylation on the genome determine a person's appearance through inheritance. Interestingly, "DNA cannot be changed, but methylation is reversible," meaning that bad genes can be corrected through exercise and diet. Conversely, the adverse health effects caused by smoking, excessive drinking, and irregular lifestyles not only harm oneself but also affect future generations, potentially leading to a whole family of diseases.

To maintain methylation expression, people must take responsibility for themselves and not always blame innate genes. Wang Sun-chung said that healthy mothers with hereditary diseases in their families, if they suspect they are at high risk of unfavorable methylation, can undergo genetic screening and health maintenance, possibly ending familial hereditary diseases themselves and giving birth to healthy babies.

Eating More Onions, Garlic, and Foods Containing Vitamin B Group

Regularly consuming foods like onions, garlic, beets, and those containing folic acid and the Vitamin B group can provide good methylation, while high-calorie and high-fat foods should be eaten less. Wang Sun-chung emphasized the importance of a balanced diet and absolutely not eating only meat without vegetables.

Wang Sun-chung indicated that the field of "epigenomics," which concerns the effects outside the genome, is developing in recent years and could be used in the future to establish a methylation database to help doctors screen for congenital and hereditary diseases. The findings have been published in the top international scientific journal "Nature Genetics."

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