Induced epigenetic changes memorized across generations in mice

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Transgenerational inheritance of acquired epigenetic signatures at CpG islands in mice

Yuta Takahashi et al.

Summary: Research demonstrates that DNA methylation can be transmitted from parents to offspring in mice, and this trans-generational inheritance can persist across multiple generations. This finding is significant in understanding trans-generational epigenetic inheritance in mammals and may have implications in evolutionary biology as well as the etiology, diagnosis, and prevention of non-genetically inherited human diseases.

CELL (2023)

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Review Genetics & Heredity

Molecular mechanisms of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance

Maximilian H. Fitz-James et al.

Summary: Increasing evidence suggests that non-DNA sequence-based epigenetic information can be inherited across generations in various organisms. Recent research has uncovered the signals and mechanisms underlying these epimutations, which vary among species and have a limited effect in mammals. However, common principles are emerging, with transmission occurring through direct replication or indirect reconstruction of the signals. This research improves our understanding of the contribution of DNA sequence and epigenetic variation to heritable phenotypic differences.

NATURE REVIEWS GENETICS (2022)

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Review Cell Biology

Plant and animal small RNA communications between cells and organisms

Xuemei Chen et al.

Summary: Small RNAs (microRNAs, siRNAs, piRNAs, and others) function as agents of intercellular communication, particularly in development, reproduction, immunity, and inheritance. Chen and Rechavi discuss mechanisms and roles of plant and animal small RNAs in the exchange of information between cells, organisms, and even species.

NATURE REVIEWS MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY (2022)

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Review Genetics & Heredity