transgenerational epigenetic inheritance

The concept of epigenetic inheritance has long been controversial. Some researchers hope that new data on cross-generational effects of environmental exposures will help settle the debate.

Researchers identified a novel mechanism by which chemically induced stress is “remembered” by the mitochondria of worms more than 50 generations after the original trigger.

Neurons stressed with chemicals produce Wnt, which in turn triggers changes in the germline.

The Columbia University neuroscientist researches the biology behind some of our most human experiences, including building family relationships. 

The Tel Aviv University researcher is interested in how the macromolecules affect the health and behavior of successive generations of worms.

A small RNA in Pseudomonas triggers an avoidance response in C. elegans that can be passed on to the next generation, according to research presented at this week’s meeting of the American Society for Cell Biology.

Two research groups demonstrate that in Caenorhabditis elegans, behavioral traits can be passed down through the germline to future generations, even though they aren’t hard-wired.

Mouse fathers whose sperm lacks the gene Kdm6a pass down altered methylation patterns to male offspring, along with a better chance of developing tumors and dying.

A large study seeks to answer whether a man’s childhood diet has transgenerational repercussions.

A study suggests that the direct transfer of DNA methylation marks from one generation to the next is much less common than scientists previously thought.

Fluoxetine dampened stress responses in zebrafish embryos exposed to the drug—and their descendants.

Identifying the molecular interactions that occur all over the body during exercise could reveal how it affects learning and memory.

As researchers unravel the molecular machinery that links exercise and cognition, working out is emerging as a promising neurotherapy.

Male rodents exposed to nicotine had changes in sperm genome methylation and produced pups and grandpups with abnormal behavior.

Two studies examining the effects of parents’ ages on their offsprings’ telomere lengths come to opposite conclusions.  

The findings contradict what has been observed in humans.  

The variation may help explain why stocked salmon don’t fare as well in the ocean.

The daughters of Finnish women separated from their parents as children during World War II have higher rates of psychiatric hospitalization than those born to women who had not been evacuated.