Epigenetic transgenerational inheritance

Abstract

Epigenetic processes are the molecular mechanisms an organism uses to respond to environmental changes with changes in gene expression. Exposure to environmental factors or toxicants can result in epigenetic changes that cause changes in gene expression or increased disease incidence. Epigenetic changes can be inherited across generations, even after exposure to the environmental factors has ceased. This is known as epigenetic transgenerational inheritance. When a gestating female is exposed to an environmental factor, that F0 generation female, the F1 generation fetus and the germ cells (sperm or eggs) that are inside the fetus and that will produce the F2 generation, are also directly exposed. Therefore, examination of the F3 generation (great grand-offspring) is needed to assess transgenerational phenomena. If an adult male or non-pregnant female is exposed to an environmental factor, then the F0 generation adult and the germ cells that will generate the F1 generation are directly exposed, and examination of the non-exposed F2 generation (grand-offspring) is required to demonstrate a transgenerational phenomenon.