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Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
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Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying...
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Updated: Apr 23, 2026

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Environmental stress and epigenetic transgenerational inheritance.

Michael K Skinner

    BMC Medicine
    |September 27, 2014
    PubMed
    Summary

    Environmental stress during pregnancy can lead to epigenetic changes passed down through generations, impacting great-grand offspring. This ancestral stress may contribute to disease development in the current population.

    Area of Science:

    • Environmental epigenetics
    • Transgenerational inheritance
    • Reproductive health

    Background:

    • Environmental toxicants and poor nutrition are known to promote epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease.
    • Environmental stress can induce epigenetic alterations transmitted across generations, leading to pathologies.
    • Previous research indicates a link between ancestral environmental factors and current disease etiology.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the generational impact of environmental stress on reproductive outcomes and epigenetic inheritance.
    • To examine how gestational exposure to stress influences subsequent generations' health.
    • To explore the role of ancestral environmental stress in disease development.

    Main Methods:

    • Gestational exposure to restraint stress and forced swimming in animal models.

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  • Observation of preterm birth risk and adverse newborn outcomes.
  • Analysis of epigenetic alterations in great-grand offspring.

    • Main Results:

    • Gestational stress exposure promoted preterm birth risk and adverse newborn outcomes across generations.
    • Ancestral stress induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of abnormalities in great-grand offspring.
    • Evidence supports the role of environmental stress in the epigenetic inheritance of disease.

    Conclusions:

    • Environmental stress during gestation can have long-lasting, transgenerational epigenetic effects.
    • Ancestral environmental stress is implicated as a factor in the etiology of diseases observed in the current population.
    • Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and implications of environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance.