Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance

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Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TgEI) is the proposed transmission of epigenetic markers and modifications from one generation to multiple subsequent generations without altering the primary structure of DNA. Thus, the regulation of genes via epigenetic mechanisms can be heritable; the amount of transcripts and proteins produced can be altered by inherited epigenetic changes. In order for epigenetic marks to be heritable, however, they must occur in the gametes in animals, but since plants lack a definitive germline and can propagate, epigenetic marks in any tissue can be heritable. The inheritance of epigenetic marks in the immediate generation is referred to as intergenerational inheritance. In male mice, the epigenetic signal is maintained through the F1 generation. The term "multigenerational inheritance" is applied to two distinct concepts in the literature: it functions as an overarching category encompassing both intergenerational (1–2 generations) and transgenerational...

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