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Environmental exposures influence multigenerational epigenetic transmission
Eleanor Klibaner-Schiff1, Elisabeth M Simonin1, Cezmi A Akdis2
1Department of Environmental Health, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
Clinical Epigenetics
|October 18, 2024
Summary
Environmental exposures can alter gene expression through epigenetics, influencing health across generations. These epigenetic changes, driven by gene-environment interactions, can be inherited, impacting future populations.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Epigenetic modifications regulate gene expression and cell differentiation.
- Environmental factors like diet and pollutants influence epigenetic modifications.
- Gene-environment interactions can lead to heritable epigenetic changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms of epigenetic modification, reprogramming, and persistence.
- To examine animal and human studies on multigenerational epigenetic transmission.
- To highlight the impact of environmental health on current and future generations.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on epigenetics and environmental health.
- Analysis of animal models and human studies investigating epigenetic inheritance.
- Compilation of examples of environmentally induced epigenetic changes and their transmission.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic modifications are dynamic and responsive to environmental exposures.
- Evidence supports the transmission of environmentally induced epigenetic changes across multiple generations.
- These inherited epigenetic changes can influence health outcomes in subsequent generations.
Conclusions:
- Environmental health is crucial for both present and future generations due to epigenetic inheritance.
- Understanding multigenerational epigenetic transmission is vital for public health.
- Epigenetic mechanisms mediate long-lasting effects of environmental exposures.
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