Gene Switches - Week 1

Life. Development. Growth. Personality. Neural tubes. Physicality. Mentation.  Finger prints. Etc.  All things making each of us the unique individual we are and are becoming. Each characteristic controlled by an individual gene or set of genes working together.  And the transcribed gene parings from each parental DNA strand are controlled by a transcription process that makes each pairing unique from all the possible pairings. That seems complex enough; however, each gene or gene set requires the presence of certain proteins or the lack thereof, acting as “gene switches”; in a word, biochemistries. There are instances where certain switches require “precursor switches” to produce proteins turning on/off the downstream gene. There are times when this switching is “… not unusual to find the regulatory sequences of a gene dotted over distances as great as 50,000 nucleotide pairs” (http://1.usa.gov/12yrm0h) . 

Taking it one step further, consider that protein chemistry is dependent upon certain nutritional requirements for their production. And as if this process isn’t complicated enough, add in environmental factors, e.g. stressors of fear, anxiety, lack of nurture, etc., all of which are capable of altering genetic chemistry. Neural tube defects linked to insufficient folic acid intake by the mother is a classic example. The possibility of a “gay” gene may be on the horizon (National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) http://bit.ly/11GRSp6).

So many variables, so many processes, each depending on just the correct circumstances to operate “normally”; it is truly miraculous we wake up every morning.  And I find it absolutely fascinating that even in often very hostile situations, these processes are carried out with few or no negative outcomes. On the other hand, consider the developmental game–changer: cancer; or mental illness and the multitude of developmental diseases. Diseases whose gene switches are programmed to turn on in early adulthood and result in life long or life-threatening conditions, e.g. Type 1 diabetes, polycystic kidney disease, Huntington’s, Usher’s and numerous mental/autistic disorders.  The list is indeed long and complex. And perhaps many of these aberrant genetic processes were initiated through adverse life forces in an ancestor(s) and continues generationally. Fetal alcohol syndrome and certain cancers come immediately to mind.

It seems these extremely complex chemistries, as impacted by the four forces (biological, psychological, sociocultural, life-cycle forces) in the human biopsychosocial framework, are responsible for producing the many aspects of human growth and development.  When Maslow’s hierarchy of needs are not met (physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem and self-actualization), the effect on our systemic chemistry is well documented by cellular biologists and psychologists.  There is current, ongoing research indicating that the presence of certain intestinal bacteria (or lack) and their products, directly impact brain chemistry, emotions and possible disease.  So fascinating!

Certainly, the genomic processes will attempt to deliver their “programmed” milestones, but interfering life force factors “bend” the direction of growth and development. In short, the chemical substrate of life is altered, which again alters growth and development. This is an area of particular personal curiosity, although I've never had the time to follow through with even a modicum of self-education. And this post reflects my struggle to bring together a few threads that interest me vis-à-vis human growth and development.  The evidence is incontrovertible: our genetic chemistries are inextricably intertwined with the human experience in growth and development; each interact/influence the other, providing the venue for me to be me and you to be you. It is a long winding road; it creates the span of life.