Recently, I discovered that while our DNA remains unchangeable, we can significantly influence how our genes are expressed through a process involving RNA. This led me to delve into the intricacies of gene transcription, the process where DNA is converted into RNA. I also explored the role that your microbiome, or the communities of microorganisms in our bodies, play in this process. This is particularly relevant because gene expression through transcription and translation shapes the proteins our bodies produce. These proteins, in turn, regulate various bodily functions.
Learn what I found out and determine for yourself if this makes sense to you!
Gene expression, the process in which the genetic code stored in our DNA is converted into functional proteins, is at the heart of cellular function. The first stage of this process, called transcription, involves converting the DNA sequence into messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, mRNA travels from the cell nucleus to the cytoplasm where it is translated into a protein by structures known as ribosomes.
The microbiome, consisting of the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that inhabit our bodies, has been found to significantly impact gene expression, and thereby our health. It contributes to essential processes like digestion, immune function, and vitamin synthesis. However, it can also influence our health in more surprising ways.
Microbiomes can alter gene expression through mechanisms like epigenetic regulation, metabolic interactions, immune system modulation, and direct interactions with host cells. This means that our microbiome can have profound impacts on our health by influencing the proteins our bodies produce.
Take the ‘gut-brain axis’, for instance. The gut microbiome can influence gene expression in the brain, affecting behavior and mental health. Imbalances in gut microbiota have been linked to disorders such as autism, depression, anxiety, and dementia.
Microbiomes can also influence the spread of antibiotic resistance and even the expression of genes related to cancer. Certain bacteria can produce toxins or metabolites that damage DNA or affect cell proliferation, potentially causing cancer. Conversely, some can stimulate the immune system to target cancer cells or produce metabolites that inhibit tumor growth.
The gut microbiome is also crucial in metabolism and energy homeostasis, which can affect body weight and risk of obesity. It plays a key role in immune system development, distinguishing between harmful and harmless substances.
Given its importance, companies like Viome have emerged, providing tests to identify your personal microbiome composition. Utilizing AI, they analyze the potential impacts on your gene expression and recommend tailored probiotics and nutritional supplements to optimize your health. As our understanding of these complex interactions between microbiome and host gene expression deepens, this exciting field offers unprecedented potential to revolutionize personalized health care.
VIOME Full Body Intelligence™ Test
What follows is a list of the factors that are considered in the Viome Full Body Intelligence test based on a batter of tests applied to your saliva, blood and fecal samples.
Integrated Health Scores
- Gut Health
- Cellular & Energy Efficiency
- Inflammation Response
- Immune System Health
- Oral Health
- Brain & Cognitive Health
- Heart & Cardiometabolic Health
- Biological Age
Functional Scores
These scores describe both beneficial and harmful biological functions. They are made by combining pathway activities and are used to form your Health Scores.
- Inflammatory Activity
- Metabolic Fitness
- Digestive Efficiency
- Gut Lining Health
- Protein Fermentation
- Gas Production
- Gut Active Microbial Diversity
- Microbiome-induced Stress
- Cellular Senescence
- Cellular Stress
- Immune System Activation
- Breath Odor
- Dental Health
- Gum Health
- Oral Active Microbial Diversity
- Kidney-Heart health
- Microbiome-Heart health
- Vascular Health
- Neurotransmitter Production
- Neurocognitive Health
- Anxiety & Stress Response
Pathway Activities
Pathway activities describe biochemical reactions that produce beneficial or harmful molecules.
- Butyrate Production Pathways
- LPS Biosynthesis Pathways
- Methane Gas Production
- Sulfide Gas Production
- Ammonia Production Pathways
- Flagellar Assembly Pathways
- Putrescine Production Pathways
- Oxalate Metabolism Pathways
- Uric Acid Production Pathways
- Salt Stress Pathways
- Biofilm, Chemotaxis, and Virulence Pathways
- Bile Acid Metabolism Pathways
- TMA Production Pathways
- Mitochondrial Biogenesis Pathways
- Energy Production Pathways
- Oral Sulfide Production Pathways
- Oral Polyamine Production Pathways
- Cavity Promoting Microbes
- Cavity Promoting Pathways
- Oral Mucin Degradation Pathways
- Oral Inflammatory Pathways
- Vitamin D Pathways
- Homocysteine Pathways
- Renin-Angiotensin Pathways
- TMA Production Pathways
- Uremic Toxin Production Pathways
- LDL Cholesterol Pathways
In Summary
This article emphasizes the significant role our microbiome plays in gene expression and overall health. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex interactions between our microbiome and gene expression and how these interactions can impact various aspects of our health, from mental health to metabolic function and even cancer risk. It also introduces the concept of personalized healthcare through companies like Viome, which provide tests to identify personal microbiome composition and recommend tailored probiotics and nutritional supplements to optimize health. This approach, combined with our growing understanding of gene expression, holds great potential to revolutionize healthcare.
As a call to action, it is imperative for each of us to take proactive steps towards better understanding our own genetic expression and microbiome as a key aspect of a holistic program for a greater healthspan. Consider utilizing services like Viome to gain insights into your personal microbiome composition. Furthermore, adopt a balanced diet and lifestyle that supports a healthy microbiome, as it can significantly influence your overall health.
About Us - Cielito Lindo Senior Living
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We are Cielito Lindo – a senior care facility in beautiful San Miguel de Allende and we serve as the assisted living and memory care component of Rancho los Labradores, which is a truly incredible one-of-a-kind country club resort-like gated community. Rancho los Labradores consists of individual villas, man made lakes, cobblestone streets, and a rich array of wonderful amenities (e.g., tennis, club house, pools, cafe, long and short term hotel suites, theater, Cielito Lindo, a la carte assisted living services).
What makes this place so amazing is not only the beauty and sense of community, but also the fact that you can have the lifestyle you desire with the care that you need as those needs arise… and all of this at a cost of living that is less than half of what it would cost comparably in the US.
Learn more about Cielito Lindo here.
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