title: Distinctions between transgenerational and non-transgenerational epimutations.
abstract: Recent studies have described numerous environmentally-induced disruptions of the epigenome (epimutations) in mammals. While some of these appear to be corrected by normal germline-specific epigenetic reprogramming and are therefore not transmitted transgenerationally, others are not corrected and are transmitted over multiple subsequent generations. The mechanism(s) that distinguish transgenerational and non-transgenerational epimutations have not been delineated. This review examines several potential molecular and developmental distinctions between transgenerational and non-transgenerational epimutations in the context of the likelihood that any of these may or may not contribute to transgenerational inheritance of epimutations.
authors: Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, USA. Electronic address: john.mccarrey@utsa.edu.
authors: John R
authors: JR
authors: McCarrey
mesh_terms: D019175:DNA Methylation; D004777:Environment; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D057890:Epigenomics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D016678:Genome / Q000235:genetics*; D005854:Germ Cells; D018095:Germ-Line Mutation / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans
keywords: DNA methylation; Environmental disruptors; Epigenetics; Epimutations; Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance