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Related Concept Videos

Gene-Environment Interactions01:20

Gene-Environment Interactions

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Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
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Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
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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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Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
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Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Stable Isotope In-Vivo Labeling for Mass-Spectrometry Identification of Paternal Metabolites Transferred from Sperm to Oocyte During Fertilization
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Environmental Transgenerational Epigenetics: Effects on Fertility and Offspring Health.

Sarah De Santos1, Michael K Skinner2

  • 1Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|April 26, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Environmental toxicants can cause epigenetic changes passed to offspring, impacting fertility and health. These inherited epigenetic alterations contribute to increased disease and reduced fertility across generations.

Keywords:
DNA methylationEpigenetic biomarkerEpigenetic transgenerational inheritanceEpigeneticsEvolutionary biologyGermlineMale infertilityPreventative medicineSpermatogenesis

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Epigenetics
  • Transgenerational Inheritance
  • Reproductive Health

Background:

  • Environmental toxicants are increasingly linked to adverse health outcomes in offspring.
  • Epigenetic transgenerational inheritance provides a mechanism for these effects across generations.
  • Global increases in disease and pathology may stem from ancestral environmental exposures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the effects of environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance on offspring fertility and health.
  • To explore the role of epigenetic alterations in disease and fertility decline.
  • To discuss potential advancements in managing these health impacts.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on environmental toxicants and epigenetic inheritance.
  • Analysis of mechanisms linking epigenetic alterations to health and fertility.
  • Examination of current and future medical interventions.

Main Results:

  • Environmental toxicants induce epigenetic alterations transmitted via the germ line.
  • These alterations negatively impact fertility and increase disease incidence in subsequent generations.
  • Epigenetic changes offer a molecular basis for observed health trends.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic transgenerational inheritance plays a significant role in offspring health and fertility.
  • Ancestral exposures and epigenetics contribute to current global disease burdens.
  • Assisted reproduction and biomarker tests can aid proactive preventative medicine.