Bridging the transgenerational gap with epigenetic memory.

Bridging the transgenerational gap with epigenetic memory.
Trends Genet. 2013 Feb 11;
Authors: Lim JP, Brunet A
Abstract
It is textbook knowledge that inheritance of traits is governed by genetics, and that the epigenetic modifications an organism acquires are largely reset between generations. Recently, however, transgenerational epigenetic inheritance has emerged as a rapidly growing field, providing evidence suggesting that some epigenetic changes result in persistent phenotypes across generations. Here, we survey some of the most recent examples of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in animals, ranging from Caenorhabditis elegans to humans, and describe approaches and limitations to studying this phenomenon. We also review the current body of evidence implicating chromatin modifications and RNA molecules in mechanisms underlying this unconventional mode of inheritance and discuss its evolutionary implications.
PMID: 23410786 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Trends in Genetics : TIG - February 11, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Lim JP, Brunet A Tags: Trends Genet Source Type: research