An epigenetic change in a moth is generated by temperature and transmitted to many subsequent generations mediated by RNA

Abstract

AbstractBased on the presented results, the epigenetic phenomenon (paramutation) found in the short antennae (sa) mutation of the flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella) is probably determined by a small RNA (maybe piRNA) and transmitted in this way to subsequent generations through the male and female gametes. It is triggered by a change in the ambient environment; it persists for many generations (20 so far); during the epigenetic effect the original wild type appeared again. The epigenetic effect of the flour moth is induced by changes in ontogenetic development, such as increased temperature on pupae development, little nutritious food, different salts in food of certain chemicals into eggs. We found this mechanism may explain the intermittent clearance of this effect at some individuals and/or progeny of a pair in the generation chain in which the effect transfers. As the nature of the observed phenomenon could related to sirtuin genes, we hypothesize an association of these genes and non-coding small Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). The key is that the survival of RNA over many generations carries a number of practical implications. It is evident that the reaction to environmental change can manifest through RNA. It follows that there may be evolutionary significance in the long-term transmission of traits to future generations.