Hi everyone,
Ok....the subject of homosexuality is always controversial and lots of people tend to get all charged up. This could be one such...(or maybe not).
Here is my favorite subject of epignetics again. They say that homosexuality could even be cured through epigenetic therapy.
Alright...some people may feel that homosexuality is not...repeat not... a disease and does not need to be cured! But I tend to disagree.
Here is some scientific stuff on this.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epigenetic_theories_of_homosexuality************************************************************************************
Epigenetic theories of homosexuality concerns the study of changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence.
One team of researchers examined the effects of epi-marks buffering XX fetuses and XY fetuses from certain androgen exposure and used published data on fetal androgen signaling and gene regulation through non-genetic changes in DNA packaging to develop a new model for homosexuality.[2] The researchers found that stronger than average epi-marks, epigenomes that are wrapped tightly around the DNA sequence, convert sexual preference in individuals without altering genitalia or sexual identity.[3]
This research gives support to the hypothesis that homosexuality stems from the under expression of certain genes on the DNA sequence involved with sexual preferences. This theory as well as other concepts involved with epi-marks, twin studies, and fetal androgen signaling will be explored here.
A "gay" gene does not produce homosexuality, rather, epigenetic modifications act as temporary "switches" that regulate how the genes are expressed[7] Only twenty percent of identical twins are both homosexual which leads to the hypothesis that even though identical twins share the same DNA, homosexuality is created by something else rather than the genes. Epigenetic transformation allows the on and off switch of certain genes, subsequently shaping how cells respond to androgen signaling, which is critical in sexual development.
This demonstrates that gene coding for these epi-marks can spread in the population because they benefit the development and fitness of the parent but only rarely escape erasure, leading to mismatched sexual preference in offspring.
Following a late 2012 publication on possible epigenetic origins of homosexuality,[10] some people[who?] have suggested that it might be possible to alter one's sexual orientation with epigenetic therapy,[11] similarly to treatment of diabetes, cancer or schizophrenia.
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This also highlights the fact that lifestyle and environmental factors (that's what epigenetics is all about) could be producing homosexual tendencies.
For information.
Cheers.
Sriram
