A gift from parent to offspring: transgenerational hormesis
Evgenios Agathokleous1, Patrick H Brown2, Edward J Calabrese3
1Key Laboratory of Agrometeorology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Ecology, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), Nanjing 210044, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
Trends in Plant Science
|September 11, 2021
Summary
Hormesis, a dose-dependent biological response, may provide benefits across generations. Recent studies suggest this transgenerational hormesis effect warrants further investigation for adaptive advantages.
Area of Science:
- Biology
- Genetics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Hormesis describes opposing effects of low vs. high stress doses.
- This phenomenon offers adaptive benefits to individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential for hormesis to confer transgenerational benefits.
- Investigate if hormetic effects extend beyond the directly exposed generation.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies on hormesis.
- Analysis of evidence for intergenerational effects of stress exposure.
Main Results:
- Established evidence supports hormesis in individuals.
- Emerging research indicates potential for transgenerational benefits.
Conclusions:
- Hormesis may impact offspring health and adaptation.
- Transgenerational hormesis represents a novel area for biological research.
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