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Piwi/PRG-1 Argonaute and TGF-β Mediate Transgenerational Learned Pathogenic Avoidance
Rebecca S Moore1, Rachel Kaletsky1, Coleen T Murphy1
1Department of Molecular Biology & LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
Cell
|June 11, 2019
Summary
Learned avoidance of pathogenic bacteria in C. elegans is inherited across generations via germline transmission. This transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, dependent on PRG-1 and DAF-7, enhances progeny survival.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Inheriting learned behaviors can provide evolutionary advantages for offspring survival.
- Environmental exposures can induce heritable changes in gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transgenerational inheritance of learned avoidance behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans.
- To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying this inherited behavior.
Main Methods:
- Behavioral assays to assess learned avoidance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA14).
- Genetic analysis using C. elegans mutants for PRG-1 and DAF-7.
- Analysis of gene expression in sensory neurons (ASI) and germline.
Main Results:
- C. elegans progeny inherited PA14 avoidance behavior for up to four generations.
- This inheritance required the TGF-β ligand DAF-7 in ASI neurons and the Piwi pathway component PRG-1.
- Inherited avoidance conferred a survival advantage against PA14, dependent on PRG-1.
Conclusions:
- Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of learned pathogen avoidance is possible in C. elegans.
- This mechanism, involving DAF-7 and PRG-1, optimizes progeny survival in hazardous environments.
- Epigenetic inheritance of learned behaviors may be a key adaptive strategy in fluctuating conditions.
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