Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: from phenomena to molecular mechanisms

Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2019 Dec:59:189-206. doi: 10.1016/j.conb.2019.09.012. Epub 2019 Oct 18.

Abstract

Inherited information not encoded in the DNA sequence can regulate a variety of complex phenotypes. However, how this epigenetic information escapes the typical epigenetic erasure that occurs upon fertilization and how it regulates behavior is still unclear. Here we review recent examples of brain related transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and delineate potential molecular mechanisms that could regulate how non-genetic information could be transmitted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • DNA Methylation
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Epigenomics*
  • Phenotype