Affiliation:
1. Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen
2. The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen
3. Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, DanStem, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen
Abstract
Epigenetic marks and associated traits can be transmitted for one or more generations, phenomena known respectively as inter- or transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. It remains unknown if genetically and conditionally induced aberrant epigenetic states can influence the development of the nervous system across generations. Here, we show, usingCaenorhabditis elegansas a model system, that alteration of H3K4me3 levels in the parental generation, caused by genetic manipulation or changes in parental conditions, has, respectively, trans- and intergenerational effects on H3K4 methylome, transcriptome, and nervous system development. Thus, our study reveals the relevance of H3K4me3 transmission and maintenance in preventing long-lasting deleterious effects in nervous system homeostasis.
Publisher
Life Science Alliance, LLC
Subject
Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis,Plant Science,Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (miscellaneous),Ecology