Inheritance – Sharon Moalem

Sub-title: How our genes change our lives and our lives change our genes

I got this book as a Christmas present, I think, it feeds my obsession with genealogy and DNA.  The author is an MD specializing in rare genetic and metabolic diseases.  He makes a case for studying these conditions, not only to help the patient, but as a means of discovering information that can be applied more broadly.  Of particular interest to me, is the explanation of genetic expression and epigenetics.

Genetic expression is the concept that while we may inherit a gene related to a specific disease or condition, the degree to which that disease or condition are manifest is determined by extent our genes articulate the effect.  In short, some people carrying a gene may get the related disease and others not and even others to varying intensity.

Epigenetics is the newer science examining the effect of our lifestyle and events on our genes.  Traumatic experiences of a mother as well as her diet can affect her unborn child.  There are studies that found children of parents who has experienced starvation before having children can still pass on genetic impacts.  The author defines it as “the study of changes in gene expression that result from life conditions”. 

One anecdote I enjoyed was about Dr. John Kellogg, considered a health guru in his lifetime, he lent his name to the brand.  He was an advocate for whole body vibration, or shaking the sickness out of his patients using vibration therapy.  While discredited in the past, now vibration therapy is being advocated for patients with osteoporosis because it could possibly activate the gene expression that breaks down and builds up bone.

The book provides several case studies of rare diseases that are genetically related and gets repetitive in the telling of the stories.  An interesting read with food for thought.

Published:  2014 Read:  June 2018   Genre: Science, Medicine