title: Intergenerational Transfer of Epigenetic Information in Sperm.
abstract: The inheritance of information beyond DNA sequence, known as epigenetic inheritance, has been implicated in a multitude of biological processes from control of plant flowering time to cancer in humans. In addition to epigenetic inheritance that occurs in dividing cells of a multicellular organism, it is also increasingly clear that at least some epigenetic information is transmitted via the gametes in a multitude of organisms, including mammals. Here, I review the evidence for epigenetic information carriers in mammalian sperm, and explore the emerging field of intergenerational transfer of environmental information.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605.
authors.forename: Oliver J
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Rando
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019175:DNA Methylation; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D018392:Genomic Imprinting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008322:Mammals / Q000235:genetics; D051379:Mice; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000378:metabolism