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Published on: September 24, 2013
Transgenerational epigenetics and brain disorders.
Nadia Rachdaoui1, Dipak K Sarkar1
1Rutgers Endocrine Research Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.
Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, environmentally induced changes passed through generations, may explain brain disorder heritability. This review explores epigenetic mechanisms, particularly in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Neurobehavioral and psychiatric disorders have a significant heritable component.
- Genome-wide association studies have not yet identified specific genetic loci for these complex brain disorders.
- Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance is emerging as a crucial factor in the heritability of brain disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.
- To discuss the role of environmentally induced epigenetic changes in germline transmission.
- To explore epigenetic mechanisms contributing to the heritability of alcohol-induced neurobehavioral disorders, such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.
- Analysis of studies investigating epigenetic mechanisms in germline transmission.
- Focus on research related to alcohol-induced neurobehavioral disorders and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Main Results:
- Environmentally induced epigenetic modifications in the germline can be transmitted across multiple generations.
- These inherited epigenetic changes may contribute to the etiology and heritability of brain disorders.
- Specific epigenetic mechanisms are implicated in the inheritance of alcohol-induced neurobehavioral disorders.
Conclusions:
- Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance offers a potential explanation for the heritability of complex brain disorders where genetic factors alone are insufficient.
- Epigenetic mechanisms are critical for understanding how environmental exposures can impact offspring health across generations.
- Further research into these mechanisms is vital for understanding and potentially treating disorders like fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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