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Review
. 2015 Jul:43:76-84.
doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.04.004. Epub 2015 Apr 23.

Evidence from clinical and animal model studies of the long-term and transgenerational impact of stress on DNA methylation

Jennifer Blaze  1 , Tania L Roth  2
Affiliations
Review

Evidence from clinical and animal model studies of the long-term and transgenerational impact of stress on DNA methylation

Jennifer Blaze et al. Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2015 Jul.

Abstract

While it is well-known that stress during development and adulthood can confer long-term neurobiological and behavioral consequences, investigators have only recently begun to assess underlying epigenetic modifications. In this review, we highlight clinical research and work from animal models that provide evidence of the impact of stressful experiences either during the perinatal period or adulthood on DNA methylation and behavior. Additionally, we explore the more controversial concept of transgenerational inheritance, including that associated with preconception stress experienced by the mother or father. Finally, we discuss challenges associated with the idea of transgenerational epigenetics and for the field of epigenetics in general.

Keywords: Chromatin; Development; Epigenetic; Maternal; Stress; Transgenerational.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Maternal exposure to the fungicide vincozolin during pregnancy has transgenerational effects on offspring health and behavior
When males are exposed to vinclozolin in utero, they exhibit deficits in reproductive function and altered disease states, effects that are present in many generations post-exposure and passed through the germline (sperm DNA).
Figure 2
Figure 2. Examples of germline-mediated transgenerational inheritance
Paternal stress experienced before conception can alter DNA methylation and phenotype for several generations, an effect that is passed through the male germline.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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