A "poly-matter network" conception of biological inheritance.

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Cell Biology

Background:

• The traditional view of biological inheritance is DNA-centric, excluding non-DNA cellular components.
• Epigenetic mechanisms explain gene expression changes due to environmental factors but within a DNA-only inheritance framework.
• This DNA-centric model is insufficient for a complete causal explanation of biological inheritance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a shift from a DNA-centric to a
• poly-matter network
• framework for biological inheritance.
• To incorporate non-DNA cellular constituents, such as membranous environmental landscapes (MELs), into the understanding of inheritance.
• To explore the role of MELs in transmitting heritable traits and their potential impact on disease pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual framework development, shifting from DNA-centric to poly-matter network.
• Analysis of cellular membranous constituents, organelles, and plasma membranes.
• Consideration of vesicular and non-vesicular transfer mechanisms for non-DNA matter.

Main Results:

• Membranous environmental landscapes (MELs) exhibit unique topologies that can be altered by environmental factors.
• MELs replicate via self-organization/autopoiesis and are transferred between cells, conferring novel features.
• The transfer of DNA in concert with non-DNA matter is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of inheritance.

Conclusions:

• Biological inheritance requires a
• poly-matter network
• model that includes both DNA and non-DNA matter.
• Future research should investigate the interplay between DNA and membrane matter in transmitting innate and acquired traits.
• This new conception may offer insights into the pathogenesis of common complex diseases.