Epigenetic transgenerational actions of endocrine disruptors.
Environmental factors have a significant impact on biology. Therefore, environmental toxicants through similar mechanisms can modulate biological systems to influence physiology and promote disease states. The majority of environmental toxicants do not have the capacity to modulate DNA sequence, but can alter the epigenome. In the event an environmental toxicant such as an endocrine disruptor modifies the epigenome of a somatic cell, this may promote disease in the individual exposed, but not be transmitted to the next generation. In the event a toxicant modifies the epigenome of the germ line permanently, then the disease promoted can become transgenerationaly transmitted to subsequent progeny. The current review focuses on the ability of environmental factors such as endocrine disruptors to promote transgenerational phenotypes.
Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, United States. skinner@wsu.edu
Michael K
MK
Skinner
Mohan
M
Manikkam
Carlos
C
Guerrero-Bosagna
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000633:toxicity*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects; D012733:Sex Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects
D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D004785:Environmental Pollutants