New studies have found
a link between a father’s experiences and a change in an unborn child’s genome.
Most human traits, such as weight, height, intelligence, etc., are partly
inherited. However, researchers have taken a growing interest in epigenetics to
explain heritability. Epigenetics refers to the information in the genome over
and above DNA sequence. Modification of a father’s epigenetics during his
lifetime can potentially be passed down to his offspring. Certain environmental
influences, such as nutrition and age, can influence the epigenetics of a
father that can be passed down to children, possibly creating health consequences
later in life. Effects on the father’s sperm and histone proteins around the
DNA seem to be the result of some environmental causes. A study at McGill
University used genetic engineering in mice to alter one on the histone proteins
(KDM1A histone lysine 4 demethylase) involved in epigenetics. Results showed
influence in the health and development of the mice over generations.
This topic immediately caught
my attention. I always believed genetic influence only came from the genetics
we were born with. I did know, however, the life choices of the mother during
pregnancy had an effect on the child’s healthy and development, but I never
knew that the father’s life experience can affect the child genome. From
previous schooling, I was always taught that experiences are not passed down to
offspring. From this study, I now know certain experiences can have an effect
on the father that can alter the genome of a child.
This is good to know, it amazing how we are all connected. Perhaps it explains how often times we have a deja vu experience. We feel like we've been there or done that in the past.
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