Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:59, 9 February 2025

Inheritance of traits not involving changes to the DNA sequence

Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance refers to the transmission of information from one generation of an organism to the next that affects the traits of offspring without alteration of the primary structure of DNA, that is, the sequence of nucleotides. This phenomenon is a form of epigenetics, which involves changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself.

Mechanisms

Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance can occur through several mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA molecules. These epigenetic marks can be influenced by environmental factors and can be passed on to subsequent generations.

DNA Methylation

DNA methylation involves the addition of a methyl group to the DNA molecule, typically at cytosine bases. This modification can affect gene expression by altering the accessibility of the DNA to transcriptional machinery.

Histone Modification

Histone modification involves changes to the proteins around which DNA is wound. These modifications can influence gene expression by altering chromatin structure and accessibility.

Non-coding RNA

Non-coding RNA molecules can regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. They can also play a role in the inheritance of epigenetic information.

Examples

One well-documented example of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance is the Agouti mouse model, where the coat color of mice is influenced by the diet of the mother. Another example is the inheritance of stress responses in plants, where exposure to stress can lead to changes in gene expression that are passed on to offspring.

Research and Implications

Research into transgenerational epigenetic inheritance is ongoing, with implications for understanding evolution, developmental biology, and disease. It challenges the traditional view of inheritance and suggests that acquired traits can be passed on to future generations.

Related pages

References

Jablonka, E., & Lamb, M. J. (2005). Evolution in Four Dimensions: Genetic, Epigenetic, Behavioral, and Symbolic Variation in the History of Life. MIT Press.
Heard, E., & Martienssen, R. A. (2014). Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: myths and mechanisms. Cell, 157(1), 95-109.

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-'''Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance''' is a form of [[genetic inheritance]] that does not involve changes to the underlying [[DNA sequence]], but instead involves changes in the way genes are turned on or off. This form of inheritance allows for the effects of an ancestor's environment or experiences to be passed down to subsequent generations without altering the genetic code itself. It is a mechanism by which the [[gene expression]] patterns and phenotypic traits influenced by environmental factors can be transmitted across generations beyond the direct descendants.
+{{Short description|Inheritance of traits not involving changes to the DNA sequence}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-==Overview==
+'''Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance''' refers to the transmission of information from one generation of an organism to the next that affects the traits of offspring without alteration of the primary structure of DNA, that is, the sequence of nucleotides. This phenomenon is a form of [[epigenetics]], which involves changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself.
-Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance involves the transmission of information from one generation to the next that affects the traits of offspring without altering the primary structure of [[DNA]]. This is achieved through epigenetic marks such as [[DNA methylation]], [[histone modification]], and [[RNA molecules]] that regulate gene expression. These epigenetic marks can be influenced by various environmental factors including diet, stress, and exposure to toxins, and can lead to changes in phenotype that are heritable.
 ==Mechanisms==
-The primary mechanisms of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance include:
+Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance can occur through several mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA molecules. These epigenetic marks can be influenced by environmental factors and can be passed on to subsequent generations.
-* '''DNA Methylation:''' The addition of methyl groups to DNA, affecting gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.
+===DNA Methylation===
-* '''Histone Modification:''' Changes to the proteins around which DNA is wrapped, influencing how easily genes are accessed for transcription.
+[[DNA methylation]] involves the addition of a methyl group to the DNA molecule, typically at cytosine bases. This modification can affect gene expression by altering the accessibility of the DNA to transcriptional machinery.
-* '''Non-coding RNA:''' RNA molecules that do not code for proteins but can regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.
-These mechanisms can lead to the stable transmission of epigenetic states across generations, even in the absence of the original environmental stimulus.
+===Histone Modification===
+[[Histone modification]] involves changes to the proteins around which DNA is wound. These modifications can influence gene expression by altering chromatin structure and accessibility.
-==Evidence==
+===Non-coding RNA===
-Evidence for transgenerational epigenetic inheritance has been observed in several organisms, including plants, nematodes, rodents, and potentially humans. Studies have shown that environmental factors such as nutrition, stress, and exposure to chemicals can lead to epigenetic changes that are passed down to at least one subsequent generation.
+[[Non-coding RNA]] molecules can regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. They can also play a role in the inheritance of epigenetic information.
-==Implications==
+==Examples==
-The concept of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance has significant implications for understanding the role of environment and lifestyle in human health and disease. It suggests that the effects of exposures and behaviors could have consequences not only for the individual but also for their descendants. This has potential implications in the fields of [[genetics]], [[epigenetics]], [[evolutionary biology]], and [[medicine]], particularly in the study of heritable diseases and conditions.
+One well-documented example of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance is the [[Agouti mouse]] model, where the coat color of mice is influenced by the diet of the mother. Another example is the inheritance of stress responses in plants, where exposure to stress can lead to changes in gene expression that are passed on to offspring.
-==Controversy==
+==Research and Implications==
-Despite growing evidence, the extent and significance of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in humans remain controversial. Critics argue that most studies have been conducted in model organisms and that the mechanisms and effects in humans are less clear. Furthermore, distinguishing between transgenerational inheritance and the direct effects of the environment on each generation is challenging.
+Research into transgenerational epigenetic inheritance is ongoing, with implications for understanding [[evolution]], [[developmental biology]], and [[disease]]. It challenges the traditional view of inheritance and suggests that acquired traits can be passed on to future generations.
-==Conclusion==
+==Related pages==
-Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance represents a fascinating area of research that challenges traditional views of inheritance and evolution. While evidence supports its existence in various organisms, further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms, implications, and significance in humans.
+* [[Epigenetics]]
+* [[Genetic inheritance]]
+* [[Lamarckism]]
+==References==
+* Jablonka, E., & Lamb, M. J. (2005). ''Evolution in Four Dimensions: Genetic, Epigenetic, Behavioral, and Symbolic Variation in the History of Life''. MIT Press.
+* Heard, E., & Martienssen, R. A. (2014). Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: myths and mechanisms. ''Cell'', 157(1), 95-109.
+[[File:Epigenetic Inheritance Through The Female Line.png|thumb|Epigenetic inheritance through the female line.]]
+[[File:Blending Inheritance.svg|thumb|Blending inheritance, a concept historically contrasted with Mendelian inheritance.]]
-[[Category:Genetics]]
 [[Category:Epigenetics]]
+[[Category:Inheritance]]
-{{Genetics-stub}}