Genetic counseling in the age of epigenetics

Genetic counseling is a complex, specialized activity that aids people understand and deal with their inherited diseases. Epigenetic modifications control gene silencing and activation and they can also be inherited. Depending on each person’s familial history and type of disorder genetic counseling has to take into account both genetic and environmental factors. New testing possibilities and new information about gene interactions cannot alter the main goal of genetic counseling that is to help patients and their families to understand the cause of their illness and to deal with every aspect of it.