Encyclopedia entry
Mechanisms of Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance
Encyclopedia of Reproduction, pp.439-441
Elsevier Inc, Second Edition
2018
Abstract
Epigenetic processes allow organisms to respond to their environment with changes in gene expression. Epigenetic molecular processes include DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, RNA methylation and chromatin structure. Epigenetic information and epimutations can be transmitted to subsequent generations through sperm or eggs, and can change gene expression and an organism’s phenotype even in transgenerational generations that were themselves never exposed to an inducing factor. All cell types and tissues derived from germ cells carrying epimutations will have the potential for an altered epigenome and altered gene expression. Tissues sensitive to an altered gene expression profile will have a different phenotype and have susceptibility to develop disease or abnormalities as the individual ages. Environmental exposures in past generations could have contributed to the incidence of abnormalities and disease in the current human population.
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Details
- Title
- Mechanisms of Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance
- Creators
- Michael K. Skinner - Washington State University, Biological Sciences, School ofEric E. Nilsson - Washington State University, Biological Sciences, School of
- Publication Details
- Encyclopedia of Reproduction, pp.439-441
- Academic Unit
- Biological Sciences, School of
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc
- Edition
- Second Edition
- Identifiers
- 99901083540001842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Encyclopedia entry