Genetic Dark Matter: Functional Medicine Decodes the Force Within

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1 In 2000, the Human Genome Project begun in 1993 was declared complete. Genetic Dark Matter: Functional Medicine Decodes the Force Within Press conferences and ceremonies followed, but in reality, the work was only just beginning. Jeffrey Bland, PhD, FACN, FACB Emeritus Chairman, IFM for Functional Forum February 29, 2016 Craig Venter, President Clinton, Francis Collins What Have We Learned? Genes + Environment = Function Functional Medicine was conceived in 1991 to provide a systems biology approach to medicine Functional Medicine is a standard of care that applies the systems biology approach to implementing the Gene + Environment understanding of the origin of disease Translates to Phenotype How? Genetic Potential How is genetic information clinically applied in the Functional Medicine system? 1

2 Like all great mysteries, riddles, and puzzles, the human genome has layers of complexity, metaphoric trap doors and false walls, and amazing hidden treasures. The key is in the genetic code. And at the same time, the key is in the HIDDEN genetic code. For a long time, a majority of scientists believed Genetic Dark Matter also widely called Junk DNA had no purpose, function, or relevance. The Human Genome Project produced an extraordinary amount of data and information. Here are the some of the key findings for this discussion: What is a Gene? Human beings have approximately 22,000 genes. This low number was a surprise (before the HGP it was predicted that humans had more than 100,000 genes). Other organisms some might say simpler organisms have more genes than humans. For example, the Pinot grape has 30,000 genes. Only 2% of the human genome codes for protein. This means that 98% of the human genome is considered to be genetic dark matter, or junk DNA. This extraordinary discovery was made by the 2007 ENCODE Project of the NIH What Does the Puffer Fish Tell Us About Our Genomic Uniqueness? 98% of puffer fish DNA codes for protein (which means only 2% of puffer fish DNA is considered junk. ) What is in the Dark Matter of the Genome? Junk DNA is now recognized to contain information that codes for: Promoter regions of genes Long sequence RNAs Telomeres Short Inhibitory RNAs MicroRNAs 2

3 One shock from the sequencing of the human genome was the realization that the extraordinary complexities of human anatomy, physiology, intelligence, and behavior cannot be explained by referring to the classical model of the genes. Nessa Carey, author of Junk DNA How is RNA related to the Dark Matter of the Genome? Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is often referred to as DNA s cousin. However, some scientists believe RNA may be the oldest form of genetic information (existing before DNA) It is less stable than DNA Genes don t change, but their expression does. The dark matter in the genome is what controls the expression of genes. RNA is capable of acting as a genetic template, an enzyme, and a structural component of cells RNA is Coded in the Dark Matter of the DNA RNA is made up of four nucleic acids, one of which is different than DNA (e.g. Uracil instead of Thymine) RNA is single stranded RNA has glucose in its structure, whereas DNA has deoxyglucose Types of RNA Three Major Types of RNA Messenger RNA Ribosomal RNA Transfer RNA Other types of RNA Mitochondrial RNA Small nuclear RNA microrna 3

4 Much of the Dark Matter Codes for Epigenetic Determinants Epigenetic factors control genetic expression Epigenetics is controlled by elements within the noncoding region of the genome that code for RNA Epigenetic Effects of MicroRNAs Tens of thousands of micrornas have been found to influence the structure and function of the genome As a consequence, they epigenetically modulate genetic expression Factors that Influence the Genome s Dark Matter Diet Micronutrients Phytochemicals Drugs and Toxins Lifestyle Factors Microbiome Stress and Psychosocial Factors What are the Actionable Opportunities within the Functional Medicine Model for this Information? Telomeres and the Genome s Dark Matter Telomeres are the repeating nucleotides at the end of the chromosomes Telomeres reside in the non-coding region of genes Telomeres are made up of repeating units of TTAGGG (repeated approximately 2500 times) Protects genome from damage 4

5 Could it be that we are getting Dark Matter from our Diet? In looking at the serum of Chinese subjects, microrna 168a was found, which is abundant in rice MIR168a binds to LDL receptor in liver, and could influence LDL dynamics in the body Stable micrornas are secreted from tissues and found in the serum Exogenous plant micrornas from the consumption of rice were found in the serum of animals The Leap 5

6 The Human Microbiome and its Influence on Epigenetics Diet, Microbiome and Epigenetics The human microbiome is a fundamental component of what it means to be human Benefits derived include: Food digestion and nutrition Regulation of metabolism Detoxification of foreign substances Immune system priming Prevention of pathogens Disturbances of the microbiome results in many diseases Stress and Psychosocial Factors Connection of the Dark Matter to Epigenetics Ice Storm Babies Show Unique Epigenetic Signatures Moshe Szyf s lab proposed two decades ago that epigenetic changes in DNA are a target in cancer and other diseases and has provided the first set of evidence that the social environment early in life can alter DNA epigenetics changing functional expression of the genes and launching the emerging field of social epigenetics. Behavioral Epigenomics PlosOne 2014; 9: e Biological Psychiatry, August 2015 What Does All This Mean? We are much more than the DNA that codes for protein in our genome The major difference between humans and all other plants and animals is the large amount of Junk DNA (e.g. Dark Matter) The Dark Matter of the genome is where the regulation of the complexity of life resides The Dark Matter takes its message from the environment, diet and lifestyle of the person Functional Medicine is the system that incorporates the effects of Genetic Dark Matter in its assessment and treatment approach 6

7 Additional Resources Educational Resources Free videos featuring Dr. Jeff Bland and other Available on Amazon thought leaders: Follow Dr. Bland: Facebook: jeffreyblandphd Free article series: Visit functionalmedicine.org/new for free educational resources on the FM model Ready to start training? Consider attending Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice our foundational 5-day course Visit functionalmedicine.org/afmcp to learn more 7