Epigenetic memory and parliamentary privilege combine to evoke discussions on inheritance

Abstract

Understanding the basis of epigenetic memory is a fast-moving challenge in modern biology. At a recent Company of Biologists Workshop held at Steyning's historic Wiston House, thirty researchers led by John Gurdon interrogated three central questions: how are cell type-specific programs generated, what mechanisms duplicate this programmatic information as cells divide, and how does epigenetics contribute to transgenerational inheritance? We report some of the emerging themes arising from this debate. © 2012. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.