Behavioural traits propagate across generations via segregated iterative-somatic and gametic epigenetic mechanisms Journal Article
| Authors: | Mitchell, E.; Klein, S. L.; Argyropoulos, K. V.; Sharma, A.; Chan, R. B.; Toth, J. G.; Barboza, L.; Bavley, C.; Bortolozzi, A.; Chen, Q.; Liu, B.; Ingenito, J.; Mark, W.; Dudakov, J.; Gross, S.; Di Paolo, G.; Artigas, F.; Van Den Brink, M.; Toth, M. |
| Article Title: | Behavioural traits propagate across generations via segregated iterative-somatic and gametic epigenetic mechanisms |
| Abstract: | Parental behavioural traits can be transmitted by non-genetic mechanisms to the offspring. Although trait transmission via sperm has been extensively researched, epidemiological studies indicate the exclusive/prominent maternal transmission of many non-genetic traits. Since maternal conditions impact the offspring during gametogenesis and through fetal/early-postnatal life, the resultant phenotype is likely the aggregate of consecutive germline and somatic effects; a concept that has not been previously studied. Here, we dissected a complex maternally transmitted phenotype, reminiscent of comorbid generalized anxiety/depression, to elementary behaviours/domains and their transmission mechanisms in mice. We show that four anxiety/stress-reactive traits are transmitted via independent iterative-somatic and gametic epigenetic mechanisms across multiple generations. Somatic/gametic transmission alters DNA methylation at enhancers within synaptic genes whose functions can be linked to the behavioural traits. Traits have generation-dependent penetrance and sex specificity resulting in pleiotropy. A transmission-pathway-based concept can refine current inheritance models of psychiatric diseases and facilitate the development of better animal models and new therapeutic approaches. © 2016, Nature Publishing Group. All rights reserved. |
| Keywords: | mus; animalia |
| Journal Title: | Nature Communications |
| Volume: | 7 |
| ISSN: | 2041-1723 |
| Publisher: | Nature Publishing Group |
| Date Published: | 2016-05-13 |
| Start Page: | 11492 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1038/ncomms11492 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PMCID: | PMC4869176 |
| PUBMED: | 27173585 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Article -- Export Date: 1 July 2016 -- Source: Scopus |
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19Mark -
47Argyropoulos -
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