Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: myths and mechanisms.

TitleTransgenerational epigenetic inheritance: myths and mechanisms.
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsHeard, Edith, and Robert A. Martienssen
PubMed ID24679529
PubMed Central IDPMC4020004
Grant ListGM067014 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States
R01 GM067014 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States
R01 GM076396 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States
/ / Howard Hughes Medical Institute / United States
/ / Howard Hughes Medical Institute / United States

Since the human genome was sequenced, the term “epigenetics” is increasingly being associated with the hope that we are more than just the sum of our genes. Might what we eat, the air we breathe, or even the emotions we feel influence not only our genes but those of descendants? The environment can certainly influence gene expression and can lead to disease, but transgenerational consequences are another matter. Although the inheritance of epigenetic characters can certainly occur-particularly in plants-how much is due to the environment and the extent to which it happens in humans remain unclear.

Title Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: myths and mechanisms.
Publication Title Cell
Publication Type Journal Article
Published Year 2014
Authors E. Heard; R.A. Martienssen
ISSN Number 1097-4172
PubMed ID 24679529
PubMed Central ID PMC4020004
Grant List
GM067014 GM NIGMS NIH HHS United States
R01 GM067014 GM NIGMS NIH HHS United States
R01 GM076396 GM NIGMS NIH HHS United States

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