Epigenetics and Gene Expression: how your biology responds to life

From inherited potential to adaptive regulation — where your DNA meets your story

Genetics provides the code — epigenetics tells it when to speak

Every cell in your body contains the same genetic code. And yet, brain cells, liver cells, and immune cells perform completely different functions. That difference isn’t due to changes in your DNA sequence — but in how that DNA is expressed.
Gene expression refers to the process by which genetic instructions are turned into proteins or regulatory molecules. It determines which genes are active, and how strongly — shaping everything from immune function to hormone balance and energy metabolism.

This regulation is orchestrated by epigenetic mechanisms — biochemical signals that influence gene activity in response to your internal and external environment.

These mechanisms include:
• DNA methylation – chemical tags that silence or reduce gene activity
• Histone modification – changes to the proteins around which DNA is wrapped, affecting access to specific genes
• Non-coding RNA – small RNA molecules that influence how genes are translated into proteins

Epigenetic activity is dynamic. It shifts with age, cell type, lifestyle, nutritional status, exposure to stress or toxins, the health of your microbiome, and even your sleep-wake rhythm.

💡 Your DNA doesn’t change, but how your genes are expressed — and how your body functions — depends on the signals your environment provides.

When gene expression goes off track

Many chronic health issues don’t stem from a flaw in the DNA itself, but from dysregulated gene expression. In other words: the right genes aren’t being expressed at the right time, in the right way. This can show up in a range of conditions:

• Chronic inflammation, when pro-inflammatory genes remain persistently active
• Detoxification issues, when gene expression for liver enzymes is insufficient
• Hormonal imbalances, such as impaired estrogen or stress hormone clearance (often involving the COMT enzyme)
• Heightened stress reactivity, due to changes in cortisol receptor sensitivity
• Mitochondrial dysfunction, when energy-producing genes are under-expressed, resulting in fatigue and poor resilience

These imbalances often arise gradually, shaped by long-term stress, nutritional depletion, toxin exposure, or microbial disruption. The good news? Because they result from regulatory changes rather than genetic damage, they can often be improved.

💡 Gene expression can become dysregulated through chronic stress or environmental load — but with the right support, it’s often reversible.

Testing gene expression in context

At DNA Care, we look beyond the static DNA sequence. We assess how your genetic potential is interacting with your current physiology — through comprehensive, functionally-oriented diagnostics that include:

• Genetic analysis (SNPs)
Examines common genetic variants associated with methylation (MTHFR), hormone breakdown (COMT), detoxification capacity (GSTT1, CYP1B1), and oxidative stress defense (SOD2).

• Functional blood testing
Measures markers such as homocysteine (methylation status), SAM/SAH ratio (methyl donor balance), methylmalonic acid (vitamin B12 status), and levels of key nutrients like choline, magnesium, and zinc.

• Organic acid testing (Organix)
Provides insight into mitochondrial energy production, B-vitamin–dependent pathways, and gut-derived metabolites.

• DNA-based microbiome analysis (GI-MAP)
Identifies imbalances in gut bacteria and key markers that influence systemic inflammation and gene regulation.

• Cortisol and DHEA profile (Adrenal Stress Profile)
Saliva-based tests that track the rhythm and regulation of the HPA axis — the body’s central stress response system.

💡 We don’t just ask what’s in your genes — we ask how your body is using them right now. That’s where precision care begins.

Targeting epigenetic regulation in practice

Because epigenetic regulation is responsive to change, it offers powerful opportunities for intervention. Our therapeutic strategies focus on restoring balance through:

• Methylation support
Optimizing the body’s ability to regulate gene activity via key biochemical pathways.

• Epigenetically active plant compounds
Naturally modulate gene expression and cellular communication.

• Microbiome modulation
Rebuilding a healthy gut ecosystem that supports immune regulation and gene signaling.

• Sleep and circadian rhythm restoration
Reinforces the timing of gene activity, hormone cycles, and tissue repair.

• Detoxification support
Enhances the body’s ability to clear metabolic waste, hormones, and environmental toxins via liver, bile, kidneys, and gut.

• Nervous system regulation
Calms stress-driven epigenetic patterns through vagus nerve stimulation, breathwork, HRV training, EFT, or trauma-informed approaches.

While not all epigenetic changes are fully reversible, many are responsive to the right inputs — making this a valuable clinical entry point for long-term healing.

💡 By supporting sleep, detoxification, microbiome health, nutrient status, and stress regulation, we can shift how your genes are expressed — and how your body heals.

Epigenetics across generations

Epigenetic patterns can be inherited. This is known as transgenerational epigenetics — where the life experiences of one generation can influence gene regulation in the next.

Scientific studies have shown that malnutrition, chronic stress, or toxin exposure during pregnancy can alter gene expression in the child, and potentially even the grandchild. A well-known example is the Dutch Hunger Winter, where maternal starvation during pregnancy led to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity in adult offspring.

This underscores the importance of supporting health not only for the present, but also as a legacy for future generations.

💡 Your health decisions today can shape the biology of those who come after you.

Epigenetic care at DNA Care

At DNA Care, we see your genome not as a static script, but as a living language — constantly rewritten in response to your environment, experiences, and choices. Our approach integrates:

• Genetic predisposition
• Functional diagnostics
• Clinical insight
• Your life story

Together, these form the foundation for a personalized roadmap toward regulation, recovery, and resilience.
We support clients who are dealing with:

• Chronic, unexplained or multifactorial conditions
• Hormonal imbalances, fatigue, or burnout
• Stress-related dysregulation of the HPA axis
• A desire to come from a place of prevention where possible

💡 Epigenetics reminds us that health is not a fixed state, but a dynamic process — shaped by your genes, your lifestyle, and your lived experience. Within that awareness lies agency, clarity, and the potential for transformation.

Your DNA is not your destiny — it’s your potential

Ask a question